A320 worldwide temporarily grounded by Airbus over flight-control software issue
13 days ago
- #aviation-safety
- #solar-radiation
- #airbus-a320
- Airbus discovered that intense solar radiation can corrupt flight-control data on A320 aircraft.
- A recent JetBlue A320 incident involved an unexpected downward pitch without pilot input, leading to a diversion.
- Approximately 6,000 A320 Family aircraft worldwide may be affected by this issue.
- Airbus issued an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) for immediate precautionary measures, including software/hardware updates.
- EASA is expected to formalize these measures via an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD).
- Airbus acknowledges potential operational disruptions and commits to supporting operators.
- EASA's EAD warns of possible uncommanded elevator movements exceeding structural limits if uncorrected.
- Air France has grounded 41 aircraft, and American Airlines has grounded 30 of its 343 A320 family planes.