Agency plans to mandate replacement of air speed indicator probes

The European Aviation Safety Agency plans to propose an Airworthiness Directive mandating that all Airbus A330/A340 aircraft currently fitted with Thales pitot probes must be fitted with at least two Goodrich probes, allowing a maximum of one Thales BA type probe to remain fitted on the aircraft (each aircraft is equipped with 3 pitot tubes). The older Thales probes of the type AA would no longer be fitted.

All three types comply with the applicable safety standards and the Agency's proposals are therefore intended as a precautionary measure.

The publication of the Agency’s proposals with further details, which are still being elaborated, is foreseen within the next 14 days.