Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14536 · Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 Series Airplanes; Model A320-111 Airplanes; and Model A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 Series Airplanes; Model A320-111 Airplanes; and Model A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2007-06-02. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; 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; Model A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes, and Model A321-211, -212, -213, -231 and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 series airplanes; Model A320-111 airplanes; and Model A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) attachments for proper clearances, and any crack, damage, or metallic particles; related corrective actions if necessary; and a report of the inspection results to the manufacturer. This AD results from a report that during lab testing to verify the performance of the THSA's secondary load path with a simulated failure of the THSA's primary load path, the secondary load path's nut did not jam (as it was supposed to do). We are issuing this AD to ensure the integrity of the THSA's primary load path, which if failed, could result in latent (undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA's secondary load path and consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control 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.
Within 20 months since first flight, or within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do detailed inspections of the THSA attachments for proper clearances and any crack, damage, or metallic particles, and do related corrective actions as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated August 24, 2005, except as described in paragraph (g) of this AD. Do corrective actions before further flight. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 20 months.
Note 1: 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.”
(g) If any metallic particles are detected during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, repair the damage according to a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent).
Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated March 30, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
(i) Inspections of the lower THSA attachment done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A320-27A1164, dated September 10, 2004; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated December 17, 2004; are acceptable for compliance with the lower THSA attachment inspection requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Appendix 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 02, dated March 30, 2005, or of Revision 03, dated August 24, 2005, is an acceptable method to comply with this paragraph. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If any inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
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.
