EASA AD 26-024 — Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-024 is a proposed amendment addressing time limits and maintenance checks for Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It updates the Airworthiness Limitations Section Part 4 concerning System Equipment Maintenance Requirements. This directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the specified Airbus A320 family models.
What Changed
This amendment supersedes EASA AD 2016-0184 and AD 2025-0032, incorporating new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits as defined in Airbus ALS Part 4 Revision 11 Issue 2. It expands applicability to include newly certified A320 family models and updates inspection and replacement requirements, including those for the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) on Current Engine Option models.
Why It Matters
The directive ensures continued airworthiness by mandating compliance with updated maintenance tasks and life limits, reducing the risk of unsafe conditions. Operators and maintenance organizations must adhere to these revised requirements to maintain regulatory compliance and aircraft safety. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Affected operators must replace components before exceeding life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified thresholds and intervals starting from the AD's effective date. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected before the next flight, following Airbus-approved instructions. Additionally, the Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised within 12 months to incorporate the updated Airworthiness Limitations Section requirements.