EASA Issues Airworthiness Directives for Airbus A350 Over Software Bug

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued an airworthiness directive for the A350-900 and -1000 airplanes because of a software bug.

The minimum equipment list and the applicable airplane flight manual have been amended by the European Aviation watchdog to prevent a loss of elevator control.

Reasons Behind the AD

In the AD, the primary flight-control computers indicated that the elevator actuators were faulty. The elevator is a primary flight control surface which controls the movement of the aircraft.

An investigation found that incorrect instructions had been implemented with the introduction of the standard.

Subsequent investigations identified incorrect instructions had been implemented with the introduction of the PRIM P13 standard, that is part of the Flight Control and Guidance System (FCGS) X13 standard.

EASA Statement

Required Actions

The X13 flight-guidance software standard is installed on both the A350-900s and -1000s.

The Airplane Flight Manual is temporarily revised.

Major event revision.

• Operators must amend the applicable AFM by incorporating the AFM TR 

• Must inform all flight crews, and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane accordingly.

• Must implement the instructions of the MER, as defined in this AD.

• Must amend the operator Minimum Equipment List in accordance with the instructions of the MER.

The directive is an interim measure, and further instructions might be necessary.

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