EASA AD 2025-0073
Stabilizers — Horizontal Tail Plane Lateral Load Fitting Bushings — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0073 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the horizontal tail plane lateral load fitting bushings on Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes, excluding those with Airbus modification 114806. The directive mandates repetitive detailed inspections of affected bushings to detect migration and potential damage. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the specified models and provides instructions for corrective actions and optional modification as terminating action.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0073 supersedes the previous AD 2020-0139R1, expanding the applicability to include aeroplanes with Airbus modification 110669, which were previously excluded. It requires repetitive inspections per the latest Airbus Service Bulletin A350-55-P013 Revision 02 and clarifies that repairs no longer constitute terminating action, while modification remains the terminating action. The directive also introduces updated compliance intervals and reporting requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected migration of the horizontal tail plane lateral load fitting bushings can lead to corrosion and fatigue damage, risking structural failure and reduced aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of Airbus A350 aircraft. The updated requirements affect inspection schedules, repair protocols, and reporting obligations, impacting maintenance planning and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must perform detailed inspections of the horizontal tail plane lateral load fitting bushings within specified compliance times, not exceeding intervals defined in the directive. If discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight, with follow-on actions as required. Modification per Airbus Service Bulletin A350-55-P012 is the only terminating action for repetitive inspections. For aeroplanes with Airbus mod 110669, initial inspection may be postponed up to 7 months after the directive's effective date of 17 April 2025. Inspection results with discrepancies must be reported to Airbus within 30 days.