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Airbus has reported that a large part of the family's aircraft Airbus A320 They must undergo immediate inspection for potential failure in the flight controls.
Following the publication of the emergency airworthiness directive by EASA, Hundreds of airplanes must remain grounded to eliminate a potential risk to air operations due to solar radiation., Yes, just as they read it.
One Airbus A320 recently experienced an uncontrolled and limited pitch descent. The autopilot remained active throughout the incident., with a brief and limited loss of altitude, and the rest of the flight was uneventful.
Airbus A320s under urgent review
Following the investigation of this serious incident and the preliminary technical evaluation carried out by Airbus, a malfunction of the affected ELAC was identified as a possible contributing factor..
This condition, if not corrected, could cause, at worst, an uncontrolled movement of the elevator that could exceed the structural capacity of the aircraft.
To address this possible unsafe condition, Airbus issued the Automatic Operation Order (AOT), with instructions for installing an ELAC in good condition.
For the reason described above, Automatic Operation Order (AD) EASA.A.064 requires the installation of an ELAC in good condition and prohibits the installation of an affected ELAC.
What aircraft does it affect??
Not all of the world's huge A320 family fleet is affected, but the models included are:
A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, A319-171N, A319-173N, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, A320-273N, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, A321-232, A321-251N, A321-252N, A321-253N, A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-272N, A321-271NX and A321-272NX aeroplanes, all serial numbers.
Airbus speaks out
With official statement, the European manufacturer indicated:
Analysis of a recent event that affected an A320 Family aircraft revealed that intense solar radiation could corrupt data critical to the operation of flight controls.
In consecuense, Airbus has identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in service that could be affected.
Airbus has proactively worked with aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary measures from operators through an Alert Transmission to Operators (AOT) in order to implement available software and/or hardware protection and ensure the safety of the fleet to fly. This AOT will be reflected in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive of the European Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).
Airbus recognizes that these recommendations will cause operational disruptions for passengers and customers. We regret the inconvenience caused and will work closely with the operators, keeping safety as our top priority.
Airlines cancel flight
The first airlines have begun to announce their cancellations and I will update this part as new data and affected airlines become known.:
Avianca cancels flights
Airbus reported today that a significant portion of the global fleet of family aircraft A320 requires an urgent software update. For this reason, Affected aircraft must remain grounded upon arrival at their maintenance bases until the necessary work is completed. This directive affects more than 70 % of the Avianca fleet.
While the airline will immediately begin working on the modifications required by the manufacturer, Major operational disruptions are inevitable in the coming years. 10 days.
Avianca has closed the sale of tickets for flights until 8 from December, inclusive, to avoid a greater impact and facilitate the relocation of passengers to available flights.
The airline will notify affected passengers directly and inform them of the options available so they can adjust their travel plans..
Avianca's priority is to guarantee the safety of our passengers and crew.
The company will implement modifications required by the aircraft manufacturer as soon as possible to resume operations and minimize service interruptions.
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