Fuselage – Centre Fuselage – Modification
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus A330 aircraft modified with EASA STC 10063798 must replace the affected fasteners within four months after the AD's effective date, following the instructions in EFW Service Bulletin EFW-SB-53-0086 Revision 04 or later approved revisions. Maintenance teams should verify if the modification was previously accomplished under earlier revisions of the service bulletin to claim compliance credit. Any questions regarding the technical content should be directed to Elbe Flugzeugwerke's Office of Airworthiness.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive PAD No. 26-089 is a proposed directive addressing Airbus A330 aircraft modified with the Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH Supplemental Type Certificate 10063798 for Passenger-to-Freighter conversion. It targets specific serial-numbered A330 aeroplanes to correct a structural issue involving non-conforming fasteners on brackets supporting the P2F Bypass Ducts in the centre fuselage. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent potential fuel leakage and structural integrity risks.
What changed
This proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces a mandatory modification requiring replacement of non-conforming fasteners on the C40 Web Spar brackets as detailed in Elbe Flugzeugwerke Service Bulletin EFW-SB-53-0086 Revision 04. It applies to Airbus A330 aircraft converted to freighters under STC 10063798 and establishes a compliance timeframe for the modification. The directive does not supersede any previous ADs but provides credit for prior compliance with earlier revisions of the service bulletin.
Why it matters
The directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected fasteners pose a fatigue failure risk that could compromise the structural integrity of the centre fuselage and potentially cause fuel leakage in aircraft equipped with centre tank capability. Operators and maintenance organizations must address this unsafe condition promptly to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in increased maintenance costs and operational disruptions due to structural repairs or grounding.
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