Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14229 · Airbus Model A321 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A321 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A321 series airplanes, certificated in any category; except for those airplanes that have received Airbus Modification 33426 in production.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive measurements for correct control rod gap of the hold-open mechanism of all emergency doors, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires replacing the control rods with new, improved control rods, which would terminate the repetitive measurements. This AD results from a report that an operator found it impossible to lock emergency doors 2 and 3 in the open position. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the emergency doors to lock in the open position, which could interfere with passenger evacuation during an emergency.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours, perform a measurement for correct gap of the control rod of the hold-open mechanism of all emergency doors, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A320-52A1120, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2003. If the gap of any control rod is not correct, prior to further flight, apply all necessary corrective actions in accordance with the AOT.
Replacing the polyamide control rod of any mechanism with an aluminum control rod prior to accomplishing paragraph (h) of this AD, as specified in AOT A320-52A1120, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2003, terminates the repetitive measurement required by paragraph (f) of this AD for that mechanism.
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the polyamide or interim aluminum control rods of the release mechanisms with new, improved, water-resistant control rods in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1121, dated December 12, 2003. This replacement terminates the repetitive measurement required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
(i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus AOT A320-52A1120, dated June 5, 2003; or Revision 01, dated June 19, 2003; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
Although the service information specifies procedures for reporting measurement results and control rod replacement to the manufacturer, this AD does not require these reports.
