EASA AD 2026-0122
Flight Controls – Droop Nose Geared Rotary Actuator Ring – Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0122 is an airworthiness directive applicable to Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for the droop nose geared rotary actuator ring, specifically part number 4776A0000-03, due to identified corrosion issues. The directive mandates inspection and corrective actions to ensure continued safe operation of the affected flight control components.
What Changed
This new regulation introduces a one-time general visual inspection and mandatory replacement of the back-up ring on affected droop nose geared rotary actuators. It prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date and provides instructions for corrective actions if discrepancies are found during inspection. The directive also defines affected and serviceable parts and groups aeroplanes based on installation status of the affected parts.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as corrosion in the back-up ring could lead to loss of axial shaft coupling retention, potentially causing uncontrolled movement of leading-edge devices and reduced aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent unsafe conditions and ensure regulatory compliance. It impacts maintenance planning, parts management, and operational safety for Airbus A350 fleets.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must perform a one-time general visual inspection of affected droop nose geared rotary actuators before they reach 12 years from manufacturing date. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before the next flight, followed by replacement of the back-up ring. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from 10 July 2026 onward unless replaced with serviceable parts.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.