Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11726 · Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes
All Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect missing and incorrectly installed parts of the footrest actuator assembly, and replacement of discrepant parts with new parts. This AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent detachment of the footrest assembly actuator, which could result in partial blockage of the rudder pedals and reduced controllability of the airplane.
Note 2: Inspections and replacement actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this amendment, in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 25-14 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes), and AOT 25-13 (for Model A330 and A340 series airplanes), both dated December 17, 1998, are considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection and replacement actions specified by paragraph (a) of this AD.
Note 3: An initial detailed visual inspection accomplished during production prior to the effective date of this amendment is considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
To prevent detachment of the footrest assembly actuator, which could result in partial blockage of the rudder pedals and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of the footrest actuator assembly for discrepancies (including bent pins and missing or incorrectly installed retaining rings and pins), in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1220, dated November 19, 1999 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); A330-25-3105, dated October 22, 1999 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-25-4131, dated October 22, 1999 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable.
(1) If no discrepancy is detected: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 months.
(2) If any discrepancy is detected: Accomplish the actions of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Prior to further flight, remove the actuator system from the footrest assembly and conduct a detailed visual inspection of the pins for damage, distortion, or wear in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If any damage, distortion, or wear of the pin, or any discrepancy of the pin or the ring is detected, prior to further flight, replace that pin or ring with a new part in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. And
(ii) Repeat the detailed visual inspection of the footrest actuator assembly thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 months.
Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(b) Removal of the footrest assembly constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
(c) Accomplishment of Modification 28472 during production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1225, dated November 19, 1999 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); or accomplishment of Modification 47376 during production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3110 or A340-25-4136, both dated December 23, 1999 (for Model A330 and A340 series airplanes); as applicable; constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD.
