EASA AD 26-110
Stabilizers – Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Centre Joint Pivot Fitting – Inspections
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive Proposal PAD No. 26-110 addresses inspections of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer centre joint pivot fitting on Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. The directive targets potential structural integrity issues in the horizontal tail plane rear support fitting joint due to cracked sealant, rotated fasteners, and migrated bushes. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of these Airbus A350 models.
What Changed
This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory repetitive detailed inspections of the affected pivot fitting bushes for migration, corrosion, and cracks, as outlined in Airbus Service Bulletin A350-55-P016. It requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and specifies inspection thresholds and intervals based on aircraft group and usage. No previous AD is superseded by this proposal.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and control of the Airbus A350 horizontal tail plane, preventing potential safety risks from undetected component degradation. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must incorporate these inspections into their maintenance programs to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Early detection and correction of issues will help avoid costly repairs and operational disruptions.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aircraft must perform detailed inspections of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer centre joint pivot fitting before exceeding specified flight cycles, flight hours, or calendar time thresholds, and repeat inspections at intervals defined in the directive. If any discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be taken according to Airbus Service Bulletin A350-55-P016. Comments on the proposal must be submitted by 16 October 2026.
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