EASA SIB 2018-11: Engine Fire Extinguishing - Wire Chafing in Pylon

What to do

Operators of affected Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft should carry out the modification detailed in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1117 to install the textile protective sleeve in the pylon area. Aircraft already incorporating Airbus mod 36818 in production are not affected, provided the configuration remains unchanged. Regular inspections per Maintenance Planning Document tasks should continue, and the modification should be completed at the earliest opportunity to prevent wiring damage.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2018-11 is an airworthiness bulletin addressing wire chafing issues in the engine fire extinguishing system pylons of Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft across all manufacturer serial numbers. The bulletin highlights damage found on the PTFE conduit and wiring behind clamps near fire extinguishing bottle 1, which can cause short circuits. It references Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1117 for corrective actions.

What changed

This bulletin introduces awareness of wire chafing damage in the pylon area affecting the fire extinguishing bottle 1 wiring and recommends modification using a self-wrapping textile protective sleeve as per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1117. Airbus production modification 36818, which replaces the PTFE conduit and clamps with this protective sleeve, is now standard from certain serial numbers onward. The bulletin does not mandate an Airworthiness Directive but provides in-service modification instructions.

Why it matters

This information is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential short circuits in the engine fire extinguishing system, which could compromise fire suppression capability. Early detection and modification improve system reliability and safety. Compliance teams must track affected aircraft and ensure modifications are applied to maintain airworthiness and operational safety.