top of page
Search

Over 6,000 A320s Affected: Inside EASA’s Emergency AD

  • Writer: Laura
    Laura
  • Nov 30
  • 2 min read

A320

EASA has published Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2025-0268-E following an event where an Airbus A320 experienced an uncommanded pitch-down while the autopilot remained engaged. Although the flight continued safely, the preliminary investigation indicates a potential malfunction of the ELAC B L104 flight-control computer.


Technical Context


The ELAC is responsible for:


• elevator command

• aileron control

• pitch-law computation

• autopilot command processing

• system monitoring


A transient internal malfunction can cause unexpected flight-control reactions.


AD Requirements


Operators must:


  • Replace ELAC B L104 with ELAC B L103+ before the next flight

  • Use only up to three non-ETOPS ferry flights (no passengers)

  • Prevent any reinstallation of the affected unit


Potential Root Cause: Radiation & SEUs


Although the AD does not clarify the internal root cause, avionics systems are known to experience Single Event Upsets (SEUs).


These are transient logic errors caused by high-energy particles from cosmic radiation or solar activity, capable of producing:


• bit flips

• logic corruption

• momentary malfunction of a specific computation channel


Such events have been observed in FMCs, FCCs, FMGCs, IRUs, FADECs and other flight-control computers.

While unconfirmed in this case, the characteristics of the event are consistent with a possible SEU-type anomaly.


Global Fleet Impact


Industry estimates suggest that over 6,000 A320-family aircraft may require intervention, affecting more than half of the worldwide fleet.


Industry Reaction: Fast, Coordinated and Technically Disciplined


One of aviation’s greatest strengths is its ability to respond swiftly and in a highly coordinated manner.


The entire ecosystem activates almost instantly:


AD release → AOT publication → fleet assessment → maintenance schedule revision → manpower mobilisation → compliance implementation.


This reaction capability is supported by:


  • strong international standardisation

  • a deeply rooted safety culture

  • strict regulatory procedures

  • cross-border cooperation

  • highly trained technical professionals


This is why even large-scale situations are handled efficiently and safely.


Impact on Maintenance Teams


Compliance requires:


  • accurate PN verification

  • strict adherence to the AOT

  • full documentation

  • CAMO–MRO coordination

  • sufficient manpower availability


Our Commitment


Air Talent Management supports MROs, airlines and recruiters by providing licensed mechanics who can legally work across Europe with:


• Maltese employment contracts

• European social-security contribution

• A1 certificates for mobility


If your organisation expects increased workload due to this AD, we can support your operational needs immediately.

 
 
bottom of page