Fuselage — Double Joggle Area at Frame 16 and Frame 20 — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2023-0212
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 models must perform special detailed inspections of the fuselage double joggle areas at frames 16 and 20 within specified flight cycle thresholds and intervals. If cracks are found, corrective actions must be completed before further flight. For aircraft repaired under previous instructions, additional inspections or contacting Airbus for approved repair instructions is required. Compliance deadlines start from 2 December 2024, the effective date of the AD.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0217 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the fuselage double joggle areas at frame 16 and frame 20 on Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It applies to various models of these aircraft except those with specific Airbus modifications or service bulletins embodied. The directive mandates special detailed inspections and corrective actions to detect and address cracks that could compromise fuselage structural integrity.
What changed
EASA AD 2024-0217 supersedes AD 2023-0212 and retains its inspection requirements while introducing additional mandates for aeroplanes repaired after certain Airworthiness Limitation Item tasks. It clarifies that only repairs explicitly stating termination of inspections are considered as such, correcting a previous misinterpretation. The AD also expands inspection and repair instructions to include both Current Engine Option (CEO) and New Engine Option (NEO) Airbus models with updated compliance times and repair procedures.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus aircraft fuselage areas, preventing potential safety risks due to undetected cracks. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure adherence to the inspection intervals and repair instructions to avoid grounding or regulatory non-compliance. It also affects maintenance planning by requiring repetitive inspections and possible corrective actions, impacting operational availability and maintenance costs.
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- EASA PAD 26-093Electrical Systems Installation – Battery Retaining Rods – Identification / ReplacementJul 31, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0142Wings – Main Landing Gear Support Rib 5 – InspectionsJul 20, 2026
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