Samwise Aeronautical Mechanics
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
EASA Issues Emergency Airworthiness Directive for Urgent A380 Wing Spar Crack Inspections
EASA has issued an emergency airworthiness directive requiring urgent structural inspections of 16 Airbus A380 superjumbos after cracks were found in critical wing mid-spar components. Effective today, five aircraft must be inspected before further flight; the remaining 11 must comply within 25 flight cycles. Fifteen affected aircraft operate with Emirates; Qantas operates one. EASA states cracks “could reduce the structural integrity of the wing,” which carries major aerodynamic loads in flight. Operators are directed to obtain inspection procedures from Airbus and apply non-destructive testing, including ultrasonic scanning and eddy-current examination, reporting results within seven days. Emergency ADs from EASA are rare and reserved for conditions threatening airworthiness if left unaddressed.
Sources: FlightGlobal
AURA AERO Acquires VoltAero Assets, Consolidating European Hybrid-Electric Aviation
French aerospace manufacturer AURA AERO has acquired the assets of fellow Toulouse-area startup VoltAero, consolidating two of Europe’s leading hybrid-electric aviation programs under one entity. The acquisition, announced June 23, transfers to AURA AERO VoltAero’s patented propulsion technology, a flight-proven demonstrator that completed more than 270 flights since 2019, and an industrial test base in Rochefort. Founded in 2017 by a lead engineer from the Airbus E-Fan project, VoltAero had been seeking investors to ensure its future. AURA AERO plans to integrate VoltAero’s hybrid-electric expertise into its 19-seat ERA regional aircraft and Integral programs, along with the Enbata drone project, accelerating its development timeline.
Sources: Aerospace Testing International
Preliminary Report: Croatia Airlines A220 Crew Changed Runway Before Split Excursion
Croatian air investigators have released a preliminary report on the May 16 runway excursion involving a Croatia Airlines Airbus A220-300 at Split Airport, revealing the crew requested a runway change before departure to avoid a tailwind. Cleared to use Runway 23, the crew encountered a 13-knot right crosswind gusting to 20 knots — within permitted limits — during the take-off roll. The jet reached just below V1 decision speed when a high-speed rejected take-off was executed at over 130 knots, and the aircraft exited the paved surface. Investigators note recorded wind conditions do not fully explain the lateral drift, and analysis of cockpit voice and flight data recorders continues.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Senate Hearing Exposes ADS-B In Mandate Deadlock Over Airport Fee-Tracking Dispute
US Senate aviation subcommittee convened a hearing June 23 on legislation to mandate Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In) collision-avoidance technology, nearly 18 months after a Reagan National midair collision killed 67 people. Both chambers have passed competing bills requiring most aircraft to carry ADS-B In, but a dispute over airport fee collection has stalled reconciliation. The House bill prohibits using ADS-B data for revenue purposes; airports argue the tracking capability helps collect legitimate landing fees. AOPA backs the prohibition, warning pilots may deactivate systems to avoid charges. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency “frowns on” ADS-B-derived fee collection. The Senate continues working toward a final unified bill.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Curated by JD · samwise.agency