"What approvals are needed for A320 Family aircraft reaching ESG1 thresholds? “Basically the same process as was done for ESG1 will be followed,” says Roeger. “To operate beyond 60,000 FC/120,000 FH, the maintenance programme needs to be revisited. Additional tasks can be expected, but there will also be additional modifications. Operators will be informed about activities once they are launched.”"
"Additional airframe structural testing has provided the basis for a potential ESG2 ‘ultimate limit’ approval. Four 180,000 FC/360,000 FH fatigue tests (covering forward fuselage, pylon, centre fuselage and wings, plus rear fuselage) have demonstrated “the need for several new inspections and the updating of some existing ones, as well as around 10 structural modifications to allow operations above 48,000 FC/96,000 FH”, according to Airbus. “For the time being, no ESG2 is expected, and if it were developed the target would be lower – closer to 75,000 FC/150,000 FH – not for technical reasons, but for economical ones. The amount and cost of structural modifications required does not make sense with the revenues obtained for life extension,” concludes Roeger.
Would aircraft need to be retired when approaching ESG2 values because they are at their airworthiness-certification limit of validity? “Not the DSG, nor ISG, nor ESG1, nor ESG2 represent any limitation to the capability of the aircraft structure,” assures Roeger. “The aircraft is able to operate until reaching these values, provided the relevant maintenance actions (inspection and structural modifications) are performed and modifications are embodied.” He says Airbus is always communicating with operators to understand their expectations and needs."