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The Airbus Safety magazine
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Don’t Forget to Check the Alternate
Pre-flight checks are essential to detect any hidden failure before the flight. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for A300, A310, A330, A340-200, A340-300, and certain A320 family aircraft require the flight crew to test the alternate braking system before the first flight of the day, or after a change of flight crew. This article explains why failing to perform the pre-flight check may prevent the detection of a hidden failure of the alternate braking system. It also includes maintenance recommendations for troubleshooting when the flight crew reports the failure of an alternate braking test.
Further Preventing Runway Overrun
The Airbus Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS), initially introduced on the A380 in 2009, has since been progressively implemented and enhanced across the A320 family, A330, and A350 aircraft.In alignment with ICAO recommendations, several mandates have been issued requiring the installation of a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) on aircraft delivered from 2026.This article provides a status of the various standards of ROPS, and a description of the ROAAS solution for the A220. It also addresses operational considerations for managing fleets with mixed ROPS standards and outlines the possibility of retrofitting in-service aircraft with one of the ROPS standards.
Editorial - January 2026
by Yannick MALINGE - SVP - Head of Aviation Safety
Take Care of the Wheel Bearings
Aircraft wheel bearings are critical components of landing gear, designed to sustain high radial and axial loads while facilitating smooth, low-friction rotation. The consequences of a bearing failure can be significant, leading to damage of the landing gear, brakes, and a Part Departing from the Aircraft (PDA).This article explains the critical function and design of tapered roller bearings used in aircraft wheels. It emphasizes the paramount importance of strictly adhering to all Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) and Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedures for both shop maintenance and proper wheel installation to ensure safe operations.
Ensuring a Correct Aircraft Technical Configuration
Flying on an aircraft with an incorrect aircraft technical configuration can cause unexpected system behaviors that could lead to an accident or a serious incident. This can occur when an aircraft is dispatched with hardware or software that is not authorized to be installed on that aircraft. Incorrect technical configuration or documentation can also create inconsistency between the documentation and the actual aircraft technical configuration.This article recalls the key aspects of technical configuration management. It highlights the importance of checking the Part Number (P/N) of the hardware and software and describes the tools that Airbus has developed to help operators make sure that they install the appropriate P/N on their aircraft.
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