EASA AD 26-013 — Fuselage — Door Frames Holes — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-013 is a proposed directive addressing inspection requirements for door frame holes on Airbus A300-600 and A310 aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections of specific seal retainer run out rivet holes at frames 56A, 57A, and 73A on both left-hand and right-hand sides. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the affected aircraft models.
What Changed
This proposed directive supersedes EASA AD 2022-0078 and introduces a reduced initial compliance time for the required inspections, making the inspection schedule independent of Airbus modifications previously considered. It expands the applicability to include all Airbus A310 and A300-600 aeroplanes, regardless of modification status, and updates the related Airbus Service Bulletins to their latest revisions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus aircraft by detecting cracks in door frame areas that were previously not fully covered by inspections. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential safety risks associated with undetected structural cracks. The updated compliance times and inspection intervals ensure timely identification and correction of defects, supporting continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators must perform high frequency eddy current inspections of the affected door frame holes within the specified compliance times, which vary based on aircraft serial number and flight cycles, and then at intervals not exceeding 7,500 flight cycles. If any cracks are found, repairs must be carried out before the next flight following Airbus-approved instructions. Comments on the proposed directive can be submitted to EASA by 16 February 2026.