Airbus tells airlines to replace Thales pitot probes on A330s/A340s with Goodrich

Airbus Friday told airlines that Thales pitot probes should be replaced with Goodrich models on all A330s/A340s as a "precautionary measure" and EASA said it will issue an order within two weeks calling for at least two of three Thales speed sensors on those aircraft types to be replaced with the Goodrich versions.

The move comes after weeks of concern over Thales pitot probes sparked by the May 31 Air France Flight 447 crash in which malfunctioning speed sensors were "a factor" in the A330-200's demise, according to the French BEA. AF has confirmed that it has had subsequent pitot probe problems (ATWOnline, July 30). Airbus's recommendation does not include a call to replace Thales probes on A320s.

EASA said that it too "will recommend that all A330 and A340 Airbus aircraft currently equipped with Thales pitot probes should be fitted with at least two Goodrich probes." Thales told Agence France Press Friday that its pitot probes "fulfill the specified requirements and. . .have been certified by the authorities."