summary
- The recent airworthiness directive for the Airbus A321 P2F aircraft was canceled due to a miscalculation, indicating that current inspection times are sufficient.
- The directive called for a one-time inspection and possible replacement of affected parts based on stress analyzes that revealed elevated stress levels.
- The A321 P2F project, a joint venture between ST Engineering, Elbe Flugzeugwerke and Airbus, is gaining popularity in the market for efficient cargo aircraft.
A recently issued airworthiness directive by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been revoked. The original airworthiness directive called for a more stringent airframe inspection schedule for Airbus A321 P2F aircraft. However, due to a calculation error, it was determined that the analysis was incorrect and the inspection time currently required was sufficient for the aircraft.
Direction of initial airworthiness
On September 12, 2023, EASA issued an airworthiness directive for the Airbus A321 P2F. During the certification process for the A321XLR, Airbus needed to update stress and fatigue calculations for parts of the airframe. Therefore, a new stress analysis was carried out in the center wing box region of the aircraft where the fuselage meets the aircraft wing.
New calculations showed increased stress levels in this particular area. Increased stress can directly lead to the development of fatigue cracks in aircraft fuselages. When fatigue cracks develop in an aircraft frame, the structural integrity of the airframe can be compromised.
Photo: Airbus
For this reason, the airworthiness directive issued by EASA required a single inspection of the airframe and affected frame. Based on the inspection results, the aircraft will need to replace the affected parts. The directive also includes the possibility of solo flights for ferries, also based on test results.
Directive canceled
However, late last month, EASA revoked this directive. The two companies involved in the P2F project, Airbus and Hervé Fruczagwerke, expressed concerns about the calculation and inspection schedule. Further evaluation by these two companies revealed that the increased stress on aircraft converting from passenger to cargo aircraft was inconsistent with the requirements stated in the Airworthiness Directive. A separate evaluation revealed a calculation error.
Photo: Titan Air
As a result, the required inspection schedule for the aircraft was reduced to a minimum. This resulted in EASA revoking the airworthiness directive it had issued. Potential safety concerns regarding this issue for the A321 aircraft were already addressed in a previous airworthiness directive issued in December last year.
The directive outlined airframe inspection intervals for all affected aircraft and already required aircraft to be inspected only once in affected areas. EASA and Airbus did not respond to requests for comment.
The growing popularity of P2F projects
The Airbus A320/A321 P2F project is a joint venture between ST Engineering, Elbe Flugzeugwerke and Airbus. The A312 P2F aircraft is a passenger aircraft converted into a cargo aircraft. It is considered one of the most efficient next generation single aisle cargo ships. The aircraft has a payload of approximately 27 tons. Also, on the main deck she has the capacity to carry 14 containers fully loaded, and the lower deck has its own loading capacity.
Airbus predicts that market demand for small cargo aircraft will increase over the next 20 years. Since its introduction in 2015, the A321 P2F has grown in popularity.
Photo: Yamato Holdings
Japan Airlines started P2F in June, earlier this summer. The aircraft previously operated with Qatar Airways for 12 years. In addition, Lufthansa His Cargo, Global Crossing and Indigo began operating his A321 P2F variant.
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