The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published Wednesday 8 February 2012 an Airworthiness Directive to mandate a so-called High Frequency Eddy Current inspection of the wings of Airbus A380 in service.

This directive is a second interim measure to prevent any unsafe conditions following a first directive issued 3 weeks ago. Aircraft that have accumulated less than 1216 flights will have to be inspected upon accumulation of 1300 flights. Aircraft between 1216 and 1384 flights are to be inspected within six weeks of 13 February 2012. Aircraft that have completed more than 1384 flights will have to be inspected within three weeks of this date.

EASA and Airbus are working closely together to ensure the continuing safe operations of the A380 aircraft type. In accordance with EASA, Airbus has established a repair scheme if cracks are found during the inspection. In parallel EASA and Airbus are working on a long-term fix to be defined by the summer of 2012

EASA press release