The European Aviation Safety Agency published an Airworthiness Directive yesterday to mandate a prompt detailed visual inspection of the wings of 20 Airbus A380.
This inspection, which applies to aircraft that have already completed more than 1,300 flights, will have to be performed within six weeks of 24th January 2012. Aircraft that have completed more than 1,800 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.
EASA said that it continues to review the situation closely. “As a result of the on-going investigation, further mandatory actions may be considered.”
