EASA AD 2025-0164
Powerplant — Nacelle Inlet Cowl — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0164 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection and modification requirements for the nacelle inlet cowl on Airbus A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, and A330-743L aeroplanes. It targets nacelle inlet cowl parts with Part Number SJ30820, focusing on those with specific structural repairs or modifications. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to prevent potential failures related to the thermal anti-ice system.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive special detailed inspections and modifications for affected nacelle inlet cowl parts, distinguishing between two batches based on repair status. It requires modification of Batch 1 parts within 300 flight cycles or 8,000 flight hours and repetitive inspections of Batch 2 parts at specified intervals. Additionally, it prohibits certain structural repairs on affected parts and allows replacement with serviceable parts as an alternative compliance method.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential thermal anti-ice feed pipe disengagement, which could lead to ice buildup on the inlet lip skin, engine damage, and reduced aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. The directive also impacts maintenance planning and parts management due to inspection intervals and repair restrictions.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 models must perform modifications on Batch 1 nacelle inlet cowl parts within 300 flight cycles or 8,000 flight hours after the AD's effective date of 12 August 2025. For Batch 2 parts, inspections must be conducted before 5,000 flight cycles or within 12 months after the effective date, then every 340 flight cycles thereafter. Any discrepancies found require immediate corrective action before further flight. Replacement with serviceable parts is an acceptable alternative to modification.