Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11776 · Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2002-03-11. Comply with the one in force.
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; certificated in any category; as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55A1027, dated May 12, 2000.
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 (c) 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) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This action requires a one-time ultrasonic inspection to detect disbonding of the skin attachments at the stringers and spars of the vertical stabilizer, and repair, if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct disbonding of the vertical stabilizer structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the spar boxes of the vertical stabilizer.
To detect and correct disbonding of the vertical stabilizer structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the spar boxes of the vertical stabilizer, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time ultrasonic inspection to detect disbonding (damage) of the skin attachments at the stringers and spars of the vertical stabilizer, left-and right-hand sides, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55A1027, dated May 12, 2000.
(1) If no damage is detected or if a single area of damage is less than or equal to an area of 300 square millimeters (mm2), no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any damage is detected and the area of damage is greater than 300 mm2, or if multiple damage is detected on one specific component (stringer/spar attachment), prior to further flight, accomplish applicable repairs in accordance with the service bulletin.
(b) For airplanes with manufacturer's serial numbers listed in paragraph B of the Planning Information of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55A1027, dated May 12, 2000: Prior to or concurrent with the ultrasonic inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, modify the vertical stabilizer to ensure proper reinforcement of the structure/skin attachments, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55-1026, Revision 01, dated May 20, 1999.
Note 2: Accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55-1026 dated March 29, 1999, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirement of this AD.
