Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14487 · Airbus Model A318-100 Series Airplanes, Model A319-100 Series Airplanes, Model A320-111 Airplanes, Model A320-200 Series Airplanes, and Model A321-100 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A318-100 Series Airplanes, Model A319-100 Series Airplanes, Model A320-111 Airplanes, Model A320-200 Series Airplanes, and Model A321-100 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2008-05-12. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes on which Airbus Modification 26495 has been incorporated in production.
(2) All Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect wear of the inboard flap trunnions, and to detect wear or de-bonding of the protective half-shells; corrective actions, if necessary; and terminating action. This new AD removes the repetitive inspections to detect wear of the inboard flap trunnions and to detect wear or de- bonding of the protective half-shells; and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD adds repetitive detailed inspections of the inboard flap trunnions for any wear marks and of the sliding panels for any cracking at the long edges, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD results from reports of wear damage to the inboard flap trunnions after incorporation of the terminating modification. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct wear of the inboard flap trunnions, which could lead to loss of flap surface control and consequently result in the flap detaching from the airplane. A detached flap could result in damage to the tail of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
For Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes; except those on which Airbus Modification 26495 has been accomplished in production: Within 18 months after January 8, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2000-24-02), modify the sliding panel driving mechanism of the flap drive trunnions, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1117, Revision 02, dated January 18, 2000.
Note 1: Accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (f) of this AD before January 8, 2001, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1117, dated July 31, 1997; or Revision 01, dated June 25, 1999, is acceptable for compliance with that paragraph.
For all airplanes: At the latest of the applicable compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the inboard flap trunnions for any wear marks and of the sliding panels for any cracking at the long edges, and do any corrective actions as applicable, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1133, dated July 28, 2005; except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. Any corrective actions must be done at the compliance times specified in Figures 5 and 6, as applicable, of the service bulletin; except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. Repeat the detailed inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
(1) Before accumulating 4,000 total flight hours on the inboard flap trunnion since new.
(2) Within 4,000 flight hours after accomplishing paragraph (f) of this AD.
(3) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1133, dated July 28, 2005, specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(i) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1133, dated July 28, 2005, specifies replacing the sliding panel at the next opportunity, replace it within 600 flight hours after the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. If the trunnion is found damaged during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do the corrective actions specified in the service bulletin before further flight. Where the service bulletin specifies contacting the manufacturer for a grace period assessment after replacing the trunnion or flap, contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) for the grace period assessment.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
