Repair and Design Approval Form (RDAF) Explained)
Collyer BURBACH, Structural Repair Development Manager
Created 15 FEB 2021, Last Revised 02 JUL 2024
Abbreviations
ALI Airworthiness Limitation Item
AMM Aircraft Maintenance Manual
ASR Aircraft Structural Repair (A350)
DTI Damage Tolerance Inspection
DVI Detailed Visual Inspection
ESG Extended Service Goal
F&DT Fatigue and Damage Tolerance
ICA Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
ISI In-Service Information
FC / FH Flight Cycle / Flight Hour
FR / STGR Frame / Stringer
HFEC High-Frequency Eddy Current (Inspection)
GMM General Maintenance Manual
INT Interval (Inspection)
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Abbreviations
MET Method (Inspection)
MPD Maintenance Planning Document
MSN Manufacturer’s Serial Number
NTM Non-Destructive Testing Manual
OIT Operators Information Transmission
RDAF Repair and Design Approval Form
RDAS Repair Design Approval Sheet
RTS Return to Service
SB Service Bulletin
SMP Structural Modification Point
SRI Structural Repair Inspection
SRM Structural Repair Manual
SSC Sub-Surface Corrosion
TA Technical Adaptation
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Abbreviations
TD Technical Disposition (Repair Instructions)
TH Threshold (Inspection)
TOE Time of Embodiment
WB Wide Body (A300, A310)
WFD Widespread Fatigue Damage
WV Weight Variant
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What is a RDAF?
Customer Care Centre
The RDAF is AIRBUS’ form of Approved Data to cover Structural Repairs on
AIRBUS Commercial Aircraft as well as configuration changes / deviations to
AMM tasks, Service Bulletins, etc.
The RDAF was introduced in early 2021 to consolidate the previous RDAS
and TA which covered Repairs and configuration changes / deviations
respectively. For more info on the RDAS + TA => RDAF transition, see ISI
00.00.00393 or OIT 999.0057/19.
The RDAF is similar to the FAA 8100-9 Form for OEMs under FAA jurisdiction.
Any structural repair that cannot be approved via SRM (ASR for A350), SB or
the Operator’s / MRO’s Part 21 authority must have an RDAF issued for it.
Refer to SRM / ASR 51-11-14 (51-10-14 for WB) ISI 51.11.00002 or for more
information.
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What is a RDAF?
Customer Care Centre
The RDAF, with respect to Structural Repairs, includes several key elements
for every repair:
● Applicability: A/C Type, MSN, ATA, FC/FH, Component Details
● Damage and Repair Descriptions, which are often summaries of each
● ICA: Subsequent inspection program
● Limitations: Repair Life Limit, Operational Limitations
● Classification & Repair Category
This presentation is intended to provide further explanation on some of the
elements listed above so that Airlines and MROs will know what to expect
when a RDAF is issued.
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, any instance of “RDAF” may be
interchanged with “RDAS” when referring to historic approvals.
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RDAF Header
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RDAF Header - Area 1
1. RDAF Ref. & Issue - This box contains the TechRequest Dossier number
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(e.g. 81xxxxxx), the specific RDAF within that dossier (e.g. /003/) and the
year of first issue. The Issue is alphabetical starting with “A”.
NOTE: A single TechRequest Dossier may have more than one RDAF
included; they not be consecutively numbered (e.g., temporary repair
81xxxxxx/003/2021; permanent repair 81xxxxxx/022/2022).
3. A/C Type - For RDAFs issued against the A/C, the type will often be at the
level of the A/C Series (e.g., A320-200, A330-800) unless the RDAF is
issued on AOG basis. The WV range covered by the RDAF will also be
listed (e.g., WV 000-019). By using these expressions, a RDAF revision
should not be necessary following an engine type or WV change.
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RDAF Header - Area 1
4. MSN - For RDAFs issued against an A/C, the specific MSN will be entered. It
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is not possible to have a generic RDAF issued for multiple MSNs for Structural
Repair RDAFs (unlike an Engineering RDAF, former TA).
5. ATA - One or more six-digit ATA references will be listed at the lowest
(most-specific) level possible (e.g., 57-21-11 for Outer Wing Box Skins).
6. P/N - For RDAFs issued against a serialized component (e.g., flap), the P/N of
the component will be listed. The S/N will be listed in box 7. In this case,
boxes 3 and 4 will be left blank.
8. FC / FH - The Flight Cycles and Flight Hours of the Aircraft or Component at
the time of repair. For up-issued RDAFs, the FC / FH may be those at the time
of the original damage / repair.
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RDAF Damage / Repair Description
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RDAF Damage / Repair Description - Area 2
9. Title - Typically includes the damage type, damage location (major assembly
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plus FR/STGR/RIB references) and any campaign information such as ALI or
SB which led to the finding.
10. Damage / Request Description - This box contains a description of the
damage reported to AIRBUS.
11. Technical Solution - This box contains a summary of the repair performed and
include any external references such as a TD, Repair Drawing, SB, SRM task
and messages sent to / from AIRBUS.
NOTE: If there are any adverse changes to the standard inspection program
(MPD, ALI), they may be identified here.
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RDAF Regulation / ICA / Limitations
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RDAF Regulation / ICA - Area 3
12. Regulation involved - This box includes Regulations beyond the original
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Certification Basis of the A/C. Normally, it only references FAR Part 26
Subpart E regarding Aging Airplane Safety.
NOTE: All RDAS/F’s created since 01-JAN-1992 are compliant with DTI
regulation - and - since 01-OCT-2015 take into account ESG.
13. ICA - Any RDAF with a Category B and
sometimes Category C) classification
(Permanent w/ inspection) will have an
inspection program referenced in Box
13. This is similar to a SRI following a
Category B SRM ADL or Repair Task.
Category A RDAFs will be blank.
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RDAF ICA - Area 3
13. ICA - Box 13 will include a TH when the first inspection is due based on
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AIRBUS’ calculation and Engineering disposition. The TH may be
expressed in FC, FH, Calendar Months, Days, Landings or a combination,
usually followed by “(whichever occurs first)”.
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, the TH always starts from TOE. If the
TH is from A/C First Flight, make sure to not inadvertently overfly the first
inspection.
The INT and MET boxes provide the
subsequent Inspection intervals and
the method of inspection (e.g., DVI,
HFEC) with any relevant NTM
references. The latest NTM revision
should be used even if it was not
available at the time the RDAF was
issued.
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RDAF Limitations - Area 3
14. Limitations - RDAF’s with a Category C (Temporary) classification will have
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an entry in the “Solution Life or Limitation” box with a defined repair life limit
expressed in FC, FH, Calendar Months, Days, Landings or a combination,
usually followed by “(whichever occurs first)”.
Prior to the expiration of this limitation, a new repair, reassessment, part
replacement or RDAF extension must be performed.
The “Repair SMP” box is usually blank
unless a replacement or reassessment
of the repair is needed to comply with
WFD regulation.
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RDAF Limitations - Area 3
14. Limitations - If there is an operational limitation imposed by the repair, it will
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be listed in the “Other Limitation” box. Make sure all operational limitations
are noted to the flight crews and dispatch teams.
Examples include:
● Limitations of altitude, range or airspeed (previously mentioned in the
Aerodynamic Survey section.
● MMEL inoperative equipment (e.g., slat anti-ice must be considered
inoperative)
● Limitations on part rotability (e.g.,
Elevator can no longer be installed on
A318 or A319 aircraft).
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RDAF Classification / Categorization
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RDAF Classification / Categorization - Area 3
15. Classification - For Structural Repairs, only the “Major Repair” and “Minor
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Repair” checkboxes will be utilized. Refer to SRM / ASR 51-11-14 (51-10-14
for WB) for the RDAF Classification Flow Chart.
NOTE: This box only applies to the classification of the Approved Data per
Part 21 and may not necessarily match the Major vs Minor alteration
decision by the Airline / MRO as defined in their GMM under Part 43.
16. Categorization -
A - Permanent w/o subsequent inspections
B - Permanent w/ subsequent inspections
C - Temporary
Blank - Stage 1 (Interim)
Areas 4 and 5 of the RDAF only
contain regulatory information and
AIRBUS’ DOA stamp / signature.
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Common RDAF Questions
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Common Questions
Customer Care Centre
Q: If I have an old RDAS and experience a recurrence of damage or require
an up-issue, what should I expect?
A: Since the RDAS form has been replaced by the RDAF, the new approval
will come in the form of an RDAF and should contain a statement in Box 11
similar to “This RDAF supersedes previous RDAS 8xxxxxxx/zzz/yyyy.”
Q: Why did I receive a new RDAF reference rather than an up-issue, such as
“Issue B”?
A: The only scenarios where an up-issue is used instead of a new reference
are: Temp to perm conversion with no physical modification (e.g., only NDT),
a Stage 1 to Stage 2 or 3 conversion, an amendment to the A/C data, or an
extension to a previous temporary repair. All other cases will have a new
reference.
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Common Questions
Customer Care Centre
Q: I received a Category A RDAF but the FC / FH show “0 / 0” in the header or
were left blank. Why?
A: For Category A repairs, as there is no inspection program or life limit, the
current FC / FH of the aircraft or component are irrelevant and may
sometimes be omitted.
Q: Why does my RDAF contain “TBD” in the INT and MET boxes?
A: If the calculated TH is beyond ESG (or 1.25 * DSG) of the A/C, the first
inspection will come due during a hypothetical operational period not yet
defined by AIRBUS (e.g., ESG2). As such, AIRBUS is not required to perform
the DT Analysis to define the INT and MET. This is the equivalent of a Stage 2
repair (refer to SRM / ASR 51-11-14 (51-10-14 for WB). In the event the
operator intends to continue operating the aircraft beyond the calculated TH,
they should contact AIRBUS at least 12 months before reaching the TH to
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receive the inspection details.
Common Questions
Customer Care Centre
Q: Will a RDAF with a “MAJOR” Classification always be Category B or C?
A: No. While it is rare, it is possible to have a MAJOR - A RDAF if a part’s
interchangeability is affected or if there is an adverse effect to the standard
inspection program (MPD, ALI).
Q: I received a RDAF with “MAJOR” checked but there was no repair
category checked. Is this correct?
A: Yes. At AIRBUS, we refer to this as an Interim RDAF, more commonly
known as a Stage 1 approval. AIRBUS has performed a static and a
preliminary F&DT analysis of the repair, but a full F&DT analysis will require
additional time to complete. In order to not delay return-to-service, AIRBUS
may issue a Stage 1 approval for up to 6 months in duration (per EASA
agreement). Before the 6 months expires, a Stage 2 or Stage 3 approval will
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be sent automatically to replace it.
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Common Questions
Customer Care Centre
Q: I was expecting to receive a permanent repair but instead received a
Category C RDAF valid for 200 FC. What should I expect?
A: In some cases, if an Airline or MRO is requesting a repair approval on an
urgent or AOG basis, AIRBUS may issue a temporary RDAF valid for up to
200 FC (per EASA agreement) as it requires less signatories. Within the next
few business days, a permanent approval should be provided.
Q: My aircraft is currently in a lease re-delivery check and the Lessor will not
accept any temporary or Stage 1 repairs. Is this achievable?
A: Generally yes. It may take more time to complete all necessary analysis.
Please advise of this requirement in the initial communication.
NOTE: For Wing SSC and repairs to Safe Lift items, a Category C RDAF may
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be unavoidable.
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Common Questions
Customer Care Centre
Q: I received a RDAF from AIRBUS before I even finished the repair. Why?
A: The RDAF was provided under a policy AIRBUS calls Minimized Feedback.
In cases where the repair instructions are considered to be straightforward
and AIRBUS perceives the risk of deviation to be low, the approval documents
will be prepared in parallel to the repair instructions. This initiative was
intended to reduce the number of communications required and to shorten the
overall time it takes to receive an approval for many repairs. Remember it is
not the repair embodiment that AIRBUS is approving, but rather just the repair
design. If a deviation is experienced during repair and the RDAF was already
provided under Minimized Feedback, the Airline / MRO should submit the
deviations and AIRBUS will work to provide an updated RDAF at no cost (if
reported within 4 weeks of RDAF issuance).
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RDAF Reference
If an Airline, or an MRO working with an Airline needs the RDAF Reference
(e.g., RDAF number, repair category, etc) prior to the approved document in Note
order to help with paperwork preparation, AIRBUS in some cases can release
this in advance of the approved RDAF.
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Thank you!
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