A350 latest type to encounter internal clock snag

Airbus A350-900 operators are being instructed to reset the aircraft's electrical power system regularly to avoid spurious effects on the type's avionics. Analysis has determined that the problems can occur after 149h of continuous power-up of the twinjet type. EASA is ordering operators to conduct an on-ground power cycle regularly, resetting the internal timer, to ensure that the system stays within the 149h interval limit. It has drawn up an airworthiness directive in response to in-service incidents involving loss of communication between certain avionics equipment. "Depending on the affected [aircraft] systems or equipment, different consequences have been observed and reported by operators," says EASA. It says the condition could lead to "partial or total loss" of certain systems or avionics functions. <br/>