Doors – Main Deck Cargo Door Actuator Bearing Fittings – Inspection
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
- Would replace
- 2024-0092R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must comply with the inspection intervals and operational limitations specified, including not opening the MDCD door beyond 70 degrees if the affected part has exceeded 13,000 flight cycles and avoiding door operation in winds of 74 km/h or greater. Detailed visual inspections must be performed within 13,000 flight cycles or 330 flight cycles after 26 April 2024, whichever is later, and repeated every 640 flight cycles. Any detected cracks require immediate replacement of affected parts before the next flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-133 is a proposed directive addressing inspection requirements for the main deck cargo door (MDCD) actuator bearing fittings on Airbus A310-203, A310-221, A310-222, and A310-203C freighter configuration aeroplanes. The directive targets fatigue cracks found in these fittings that could cause the cargo door to fall freely during operations, posing a safety risk. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers and those modified under EASA Supplemental Type Certificate 10013960.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-133 supersedes AD 2024-0092R1 and partially retains its requirements while introducing new operational limitations, including prohibitions on door opening under certain wind conditions and restrictions on door opening angles. It mandates repetitive detailed visual inspections and requires installation of placards with operating limitations. The directive also introduces exceptional allowances for maintenance-related door operations following Airbus instructions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential injuries caused by undamped free fall of the main deck cargo door due to actuator bearing fitting fatigue cracks. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of affected Airbus A310 freighter aircraft. It also helps maintenance teams identify and correct cracks early, reducing the risk of door failure during cargo loading and unloading.
More for Airbus A310
All 49- EASA PAD 26-135Oxygen – Chemical Oxygen Generators – ReplacementNov 11, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-132Placards and Markings - Main Deck Cargo Door Operation Limitation - Installation; Doors – Main Deck Cargo Door Actuator Bearing Fittings – Inspection / Opening ProhibitionNov 4, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0209Wings – Main Landing Gear Attachment / Rib 5 Forward Lug – Inspection(s)Nov 3, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-109Wings – Main Landing Gear Attachment / Rib 5 Forward Lug – Inspection(s)Sep 18, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-013
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