Brussels, 06/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) called on Wednesday 4 May for detailed inspection of more than 170 single aisle Airbus aircraft in service around the world because of doubts over fuselage nuts and the replacement of parts found to be defective, according to the Wall Street Journal. This safety measures refers to the A319, A320 and A321 models.
EASA has worries over a large number of nuts installed in the fuselage and around the fuel tank during assembly. If not the problem is not addressed, the use of these parts could have long-term consequences and affect the “structural integrity” of the planes concerned, the agency warns. It did state, however, that tests for metal fatigue, corrosion and other problems had shown that the parts at issue did not pose an immediate danger. It proposed ordering detailed inspections and replacement of the nuts within six to 12 years of the first flight of the planes concerned.
An Airbus spokesman quoted by the press said that the group and regulators had previously decided that immediate intervention was not necessary as the potential problems would take a long time to appear, if they ever did. Airbus, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EAD.FR), previously released a non-compulsory technical notice providing airlines with guidance on how to carry out inspections and replace any nuts found to be defective. Several airlines have already conducted the safety checks recommended by European regulators, say sources in the sector. (A.By./transl.rt)