Airborne Auxiliary Power — Air Intake Flap Hinge — Inspection; Master Minimum Equipment List — Amendment
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must perform initial inspections of the affected APU air intake flap hinges within specified compliance times ranging from 4 to 12 months depending on aircraft group. Repetitive inspections must be conducted every 24 months thereafter. Any damage beyond limits requires contacting Airbus for repair instructions before further flight. Additionally, the updated MMEL must be implemented and communicated to flight crews within 90 days of the AD's effective date, 16 December 2025.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0272 is issued for Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes addressing inspection requirements for the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) air intake flap hinge. The directive also mandates an amendment to the Airbus A350 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) to mitigate risks associated with APU air intake flap detachment. This AD applies to affected APU air intake assemblies with specific part numbers installed on these aircraft.
What changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the APU air intake flap hinges due to reported corrosion-induced cracks leading to flap detachment. It requires corrective actions if damage is found and enforces implementation of an updated MMEL to restrict certain operations that increase hinge stress. The AD also specifies reidentification requirements for affected parts and allows installation only of reidentified parts.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential loss of the APU air intake flap, which could cause aircraft damage and safety risks. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness by detecting and addressing corrosion-related hinge cracks early. The MMEL update affects operational procedures, requiring coordination between flight crews and maintenance teams to maintain safe operations.
More for Airbus A350
All 224- EASA PAD 26-126Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section / Part 1, Safe Life Airworthiness Limitations Items – AmendmentOct 20, 2026
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- EASA PAD 26-124Doors – Forward and Aft Cargo Door Seals – Inspection / ReplacementOct 15, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0177R1Indicating / Recording Systems – Integrated Control Panels – InspectionOct 15, 2026
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