Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14354 · Airbus Model A320-111 Airplanes, and Model A320-200 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A320-111 Airplanes, and Model A320-200 Series Airplanes
Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A320-111 airplanes, and Model A320- 200 series airplanes, that requires a detailed inspection of the tail cone triangle to determine its position, and corrective actions if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent excessive vibrations of the elevators, which could result in reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent excessive vibrations of the elevators, which could result in reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection to determine the position of each tail cone triangle in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1132, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2002. If the position of the tail cone triangle is not within the limits specified in the service bulletin: Within 3,500 flight hours after the inspection, re-rig the elevator servo controls to adjust the elevator neutral setting, and change the position of the tail cone triangle, in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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) Actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1132, dated March 14, 2001, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by this AD.
(c) Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.
(d)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office.
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1132, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated June 19, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of this service information, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2002-514(B) R1, dated November 13, 2002.
