EASA AD 2026-0037 — Equipment/Furnishings — Evacuation Slide/Inflation Hose Assemblies — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0037 is an official safety directive addressing evacuation slide inflation hose assemblies on Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. It targets specific inflation hose assemblies and door evacuation slides identified by part and serial numbers that have been found to fail during emergency evacuations. The directive mandates the replacement of affected evacuation slides to ensure proper inflation and safe evacuation.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces a mandatory replacement of affected evacuation slides equipped with specific inflation hose assemblies that have shown connector fractures leading to inflation failure. It requires operators of Group 1 aircraft to replace these slides within 36 months and prohibits installation of affected slides on any aircraft after the effective date. The directive also clarifies definitions, affected parts, and compliance procedures referencing Airbus and Safran Aerosystems service bulletins.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure of evacuation slides during emergencies poses a serious safety risk to passengers and crew. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and regulatory approval. Timely replacement of affected slides prevents potential evacuation path failures, thereby enhancing overall safety and reducing liability.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft fitted with affected evacuation slides must replace these slides with serviceable ones within 36 months from 11 March 2026. Maintenance teams must avoid installing any affected slides on aircraft after the effective date. Compliance should follow the instructions in Airbus Service Bulletins A320-25-1CML or A320-25-1CMM and Safran Aerosystems VSB A320 004-25-130.