EASA AD 2025-0067
Fuselage — Centre Fuselage Frame Foot Joint — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0067 is an airworthiness directive addressing the Airbus A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX, and A321-272NX aeroplanes up to manufacturer serial number 09287 with Airbus modification 160286. It mandates inspections of the centre fuselage frame foot joint fastener holes to detect potential cracks that could affect structural integrity. The directive provides inspection intervals and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the fastener holes in the centre fuselage frame foot joint area due to a detected deviation in the manufacturing cold working process. It requires inspections before 48,000 flight hours or 24,000 flight cycles and at specified intervals thereafter, with corrective actions if discrepancies or cracks are found. The directive also defines acceptable inspection methods and conditions for terminating inspections after repairs.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural integrity issue that could lead to crack initiation and propagation in the fuselage frame area. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of affected Airbus A321 models. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Operators must perform initial inspections of the affected fastener holes before exceeding 48,000 flight hours or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first, and continue inspections at intervals not exceeding 25,600 flight hours or 12,800 flight cycles. If discrepancies or cracks are found, Airbus-approved repair instructions must be followed promptly. Certain repairs may terminate the repetitive inspection requirements if performed according to the directive's conditions.