EASA Rescinds Airbus A321 P2F Airworthiness Directive Due to Calculation Error
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken a notable step in the world of aviation safety. EASA recently canceled an airworthiness directive (AD) related to Airbus A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft. This action came to light after an error was discovered in the calculation on which the AD was based.
Initially, EASA had issued an airworthiness directive that imposed stricter fuselage inspections for operators of Airbus A321 P2F aircraft. However, it was subsequently revealed that the formula used to calculate the compliance timeframe within the directive contained inaccuracies.
Upon further assessment, prompted by these findings, experts from Elbe Flugzeugwerke and Airbus confirmed that the modifications made to these aircraft resulted in only a minimal reduction in the compliance timeframe, compared to the requirements outlined in the AD. Consequently, any potential safety concerns for the affected A321 aircraft had already been adequately addressed by a previous airworthiness directive issued on December 7, 2022.
Details of the Airbus A321 P2F Airworthiness Directive
The now-canceled Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued on September 12, 2023, by EASA had introduced more rigorous fuselage inspections for Airbus A321 P2F aircraft.
This move was driven by a comprehensive stress calculation performed during the A321 XLR certification process. The assessment focused on the Center Wing Box (CWB) and slanted junction areas at fuselage frame 42. The results of this analysis revealed heightened fatigue stress levels in these specific regions. Such stress levels could potentially lead to the development of cracks under the existing inspection protocols. Failure to detect and address this condition had the potential to compromise the structural integrity of the fuselage.
To address this situation, EASA issued an airworthiness directive that mandated a one-time inspection of the affected aircraft components. Based on the inspection results, corrective measures would be implemented as necessary. The directive also outlined provisions for a single ferry flight.
The A320/A321 P2F Conversion Program
The A320/A321 P2F conversion program, initiated in 2015, is a collaborative effort involving ST Engineering, Airbus, and Elbe Flugzeugwerke. Airbus, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), provides technical data, certification support, and expertise in various aviation aspects. Elbe Flugzeugwerke, as the Supplemental Type Certificate holder, leads the program’s overall management and commercialization.
Currently, there are 25 Airbus A321 P2F aircraft in service, serving cargo needs with 13 different airlines. This figure includes three aircraft in storage and three undergoing maintenance, according to data from ch-aviation.com.
This development underscores the meticulous attention to safety in the aviation industry, ensuring that even minor errors are promptly addressed to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness.
Photo: Airbus