EASA AD 2025-0248
Equipment / Furnishings — Overhead Stowage Compartments — Inspection / Repair
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0248 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency addressing Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes equipped with ARIES overhead stowage compartments. The directive mandates inspection and repair of specific overhead stowage compartments to ensure their structural integrity. It applies to affected parts identified by certain part numbers and excludes aircraft with specific Airbus modifications embodied in production.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for ARIES overhead stowage compartments on certain Airbus A320 family aircraft. It also requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and prohibits installation of affected parts unless inspected and repaired. Additionally, it mandates reporting of inspection results to Airbus within specified timeframes.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety risk where damaged overhead stowage compartments could detach during emergency landings, posing injury risks and blocking evacuation paths. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and ensure passenger safety. Compliance helps prevent in-service failures and supports regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft must inspect the specified ARIES overhead stowage compartments within 24 months from 20 November 2025. If any damage or discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight. Installation of affected parts is prohibited unless inspected and repaired, and inspection results must be reported to Airbus within 30 days after inspection or within one month after the effective date, whichever is later.