EASA AD 2026-0142
Wings – Main Landing Gear Support Rib 5 – Inspections
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0142 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. The directive mandates inspections of the main landing gear support rib 5 due to identified quality issues that could lead to fatigue damage and potential structural failure. It applies to affected parts listed by part and serial numbers in the directive's appendix.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces requirements for repetitive detailed visual inspections and a one-time special detailed inspection of the main landing gear support rib 5 lugs on affected Airbus aircraft. It also establishes corrective actions if discrepancies are found and defines the special detailed inspection as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The directive is considered an interim measure with potential for further regulatory action.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural safety risk in principal structural elements of widely operated Airbus aircraft models. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent fatigue-related failures that could compromise aircraft structural integrity. The inspections and corrective actions impact maintenance planning, aircraft availability, and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform initial inspections within specified flight cycle or flight hour thresholds or within 500 flight cycles/1,000 flight hours after the directive's effective date, whichever is later, and repeat inspections at intervals not exceeding 500 flight cycles or 1,000 flight hours. A one-time special detailed inspection must be completed within defined thresholds as terminating action. Any discrepancies found require contacting Airbus for approved corrective instructions before further flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus within 90 days after the special detailed inspection or the directive's effective date.
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