Airplanes Which Have Completed Over 1300 Flights Are Covered By The AD

EASA published an AD on Friday mandating a prompt detailed visual inspection of the wings of 20 Airbus A380.

This inspection, which applies to aircraft that have already completed more than 1300 flights, will have to be performed within six weeks of 24 January 2012. Aircraft that have completed more than 1800 flights will have to be inspected within four days of this date.

EASA and Airbus are working closely together to ensure the continuing safe operations of the A380 aircraft type. In accordance with EASA, Airbus has established a repair scheme if cracks are found during the inspection.

According to the AD (EASA AD No. 2012-0013):

Following an unscheduled internal inspection of an A380 wing, some rib feet have been found with cracks originating from the rib to skin panel attachment
holes (Type 1 cracks according to Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) terminology). Further to this finding, inspections were carried out on a number of other
aeroplanes where further cracks have been found. During one of those inspections, a new form of rib foot cracking originating from the forward and aft edges of the vertical web of the rib feet has been identified (Type 2 cracks according to Airbus AOT terminology). The new form of cracking is more significant than the original rib foot hole cracking. It has been determined that the Type 2 cracks may develop on other aeroplanes after a period of time in service.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could potentially affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane.

For the reasons described above, this AD requires a Detailed Visual Inspection (DVI) of certain wing rib feet. This AD also requires reporting the inspection results to Airbus.

This AD is considered to be an interim action to immediately address this condition.

EASA continues to review the situation closely. As a result of the on-going investigation, further mandatory actions may be considered.

FMI: http://easa.europa.eu