EASA AD 2024-0200
Fuselage — Splice Fittings — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0200 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of splice fittings at the front windshield side posts on Airbus A330 aeroplanes, specifically models A330-201 through A330-941 with certain manufacturer serial numbers. The directive mandates repetitive detailed inspections of affected splice fittings due to a production issue involving incorrect shot peening that may reduce fatigue life. It applies to parts with Part Numbers F531-23024-200 and F531-23024-201 on left-hand and right-hand sides respectively.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0200 introduces new mandatory repetitive inspections for the affected splice fittings on Airbus A330 aircraft to detect potential cracks caused by incorrect shot peening applied during production starting in 2008. It requires inspections before exceeding 10,680 flight cycles or within 24 months of the effective date, and then at intervals not exceeding 6,450 flight cycles. If cracks are found, operators must contact Airbus for repair instructions and carry out corrective actions accordingly.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A330 aircraft by preventing potential fatigue-related failures in the splice fittings at the windshield side posts. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to avoid unsafe conditions that could compromise flight safety. Adhering to these requirements helps avoid unplanned downtime and ensures regulatory compliance under EASA regulations.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 models must perform detailed inspections of the specified splice fittings before reaching 10,680 flight cycles or within 24 months from 2024-11-04, whichever is later, and repeat inspections every 6,450 flight cycles thereafter. If any cracks are detected, they must contact Airbus for repair instructions and complete the repairs within the specified timeframe. The inspections and repairs must follow Airbus Service Bulletins A330-53-3319 and A330-53-3320.