EASA AD 2025-0202: Landing Gear — Nose Landing Gear Retraction Actuator — Inspection

What to do

Operators of Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes with affected nose landing gear retraction actuators must perform the required inspection within 26 months from 2 October 2025, following Airbus service bulletin instructions. If discrepancies are found, the affected part must be replaced before the next flight. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date, except for temporary removal and reinstallation during a single maintenance visit.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0202 is an airworthiness directive addressing the nose landing gear retraction actuator on Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It applies to specific part numbers and serial numbers of the nose landing gear retraction actuator, requiring inspection due to potential disconnection risks. The directive targets all manufacturer serial numbers of affected A330 and A340 models.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected nose landing gear retraction actuators to detect inadequate or missing swaging of spherical bearings. It also prohibits the installation of affected parts and mandates corrective actions if discrepancies are found. The directive includes a comprehensive list of affected parts beyond those previously identified in related service bulletins.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected defects in the nose landing gear retraction actuator can lead to undamped extension and potential landing gear collapse, posing safety risks to aircraft and occupants. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and prevent incidents. The directive also clarifies installation restrictions to avoid reintroducing unsafe parts.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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