EASA AD 26-102 — Fuselage – Cockpit Floor Structure – Inspections

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive Proposal 26-102 is a proposed regulation targeting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections of the cockpit floor structure, specifically between cross beams Frame 8 and Frame 12, to detect mechanical damage such as cracks and missing fasteners. The directive aims to maintain structural integrity by addressing damage beyond corrosion in this critical fuselage area.

What Changed

This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces repetitive inspections of the cockpit floor structure on Airbus A320 family aircraft to identify mechanical damage other than corrosion. It extends inspection thresholds and intervals based on flight cycles, flight hours, and aircraft age, replacing previous corrosion-focused maintenance review board tasks. The directive also requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found during inspections.

Why It Matters

This proposal is important for aviation professionals because it ensures timely detection and correction of structural damage that could compromise aircraft safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must adapt their inspection programs to include these new requirements, preventing potential structural failures. Compliance teams need to monitor and implement these inspections within specified intervals to maintain airworthiness certification.

What To Do

Affected operators must perform initial inspections within specified thresholds, such as within 12 years of aircraft reference date or before accumulating certain flight cycles or hours, and repeat inspections at intervals not exceeding 12 years, 19,200 flight cycles, or 31,900 flight hours. If damage is detected, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight. Comments on the proposal must be submitted by 7 October 2026.