Airbus announced on Friday that it is necessary to urgently update the software in A320 family aircraft. The case may concern up to 6,000 people. machines, i.e. approximately half of these models – indicate industry sources cited by Reuters.
The European aircraft manufacturer admits that the update may lead to major difficulties for carriers and travelers, especially just before the busy period after Thanksgiving in the US and Christmas.
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How many A320 planes could be grounded?
What is the problem with the flight control system?
When was the need to update the software announced?
How long can a recall for some machines take?
Urgent Airbus service action. Some machines will be grounded for longer
The European Aviation Safety Agency has issued a directive on the airworthiness of machines. In turn, the message to airlines states that the action must be carried out before the next flight, reports Reuters.
For two-thirds of the planes, the grounding will be short-lived and will only require an update that will restore the previous software version. However, hundreds of machines will require a longer service period.
Incident during a flight to the USA. The machine had to make an emergency landing
The reason for Airbus' decision is the incident on October 30, in which solar radiation damaged data necessary for the operation of flight control systems. This is the ELAC (Elevator and Aileron Computer) system, responsible for controlling the deflection of the elevators and ailerons.
During a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico to Newark, New Jersey, the plane had to make an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida. The pilots reported flight control problems and a sudden drop in altitude. Several people were taken to hospital as a result of the turbulence.
Currently, there are approximately 11.3 thousand years of summer in the world. A320 family machines, including 6,440 of the basic A320 model, Reuters summarizes.
