Flight safety detectives – Episode 308 Real Time Reporting on an Emergency Airworthiness Directive

The European Aviation Safety Agency issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) on November 28, 2025, that ordered nearly 6,000 A319, A320, and A321 aircraft be grounded to check for a flight control computer issue. Todd and John recorded this show while gathering details about the grounding in real time.

The show was recorded as John gets phone calls and emails from colleagues during the show and Todd prepares for a television news interview. This episode shows how they gather facts and data on unfolding aviation safety events like ADs.
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The affected aircraft had to be on the ground for repair, just over a day after the AD was issued. John describes how challenging this would be for airlines that fly large numbers of the affected aircraft. He shares the logistical issues the airlines face as they check these aircraft, especially if they are located far away from a repair station. They also predict the impact on the flying public.

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