🚨 BREAKING: EASA Issues Emergency AD for A320 Family over Critical Flight Control Risk

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD 2025-0268-E), requiring the immediate replacement or modification of a specific flight control computer on Airbus A319, A320, and A321 family aircraft.

Issued on November 28, 2025, the AD takes effect at 23:59 UTC on November 29, 2025. The directive follows a safety investigation into a recent incident that revealed a critical vulnerability within the aircraft's control systems.

The Unsafe Condition: Uncommanded Pitch Down

The EASA directive stems from an incident where an Airbus A320 experienced an uncommanded and limited pitch down event. While the autopilot remained engaged and the loss of altitude was brief, a preliminary technical assessment by Airbus identified a malfunction in the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) as a possible contributing factor.

The core concern is that this malfunction, if uncorrected, could lead to an uncommanded elevator movement. In the "worst-case scenario," this movement could be severe enough to exceed the aircraft's structural capability, posing a catastrophic risk.

🛠 Required Action: Immediate Replacement

The emergency AD targets all Airbus A319, A320, and A321 models. The directive splits the affected fleet into two groups:

 ðŸ“ŽGroup 1 Aeroplanes: Aircraft currently fitted with the Affected ELAC (ELAC B L104).

   ðŸ”¸️ Action: Operators must replace or modify the Affected ELAC with a Serviceable ELAC (ELAC B L103+).

   ðŸ”¸️ Compliance Time: Before next flight after the effective date of the AD.

    Note: A ferry flight (up to 3 Flight Cycles, non-ETOPS, no passengers) is permitted to position the aircraft for the necessary maintenance.

 ðŸ“ŽGroup 2 Aeroplanes: All other aircraft.

   ðŸ”¸️ Action: A prohibition is in place: Do not modify the aeroplane into a Group 1 aeroplane from the effective date.

  Installation Prohibition: For all Group 1 aircraft that have been modified, the Affected ELAC is prohibited from being installed again.

The mandatory procedures for replacement or modification are detailed in the Airbus Alert Operator Transmission (AOT) A27N022-25.

Industry Impact.

The necessity for a "before next flight" action on Group 1 aircraft will undoubtedly cause immediate operational disruptions for airlines globally as they scramble to comply with the urgent mandate. The AD was issued immediately, without the full consultation process, highlighting the severity and urgency of the identified unsafe condition.

Airlines are already executing the mandated actions to ensure the continuing airworthiness of their A320-family fleets.

Source:


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