Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14648 · Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes
Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes
This AD applies to airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which no modification/replacement of the ram air turbine (RAT) has been done since incorporating Airbus modification 27014 (installation of a Sundstrand RAT, part number (P/N) 766352) or 28413 (reinstallation of the Dowty RAT) in production.
| Airbus model | Equipped with |
|---|---|
| (1) A320 airplanes | A Sundstrand RAT, P/N 762308, installed by incorporating Airbus modification 27189 in production. |
| (2) A319 and A321 airplanes | A Sundstrand RAT, P/N 762308, installed by incorporating Airbus modification 25364 in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-29-1075 in service. |
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracks and marks on the carbon blades of the ram air turbine (RAT), and replacement of the RAT with a new or serviceable RAT if necessary. This AD results from a report of three chord-wise cracks on the aft side of one carbon blade of a certain RAT. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks and/or marks on the RAT carbon blades, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the carbon blade, and consequent loss of the RAT as a source of hydraulic and electrical power in 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, do a detailed inspection for cracks and marks on the carbon blades of the RAT, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-29-1124, dated November 23, 2005. If any crack or mark is found to be outside the limits specified in the service bulletin, before further flight, replace the RAT with a new or serviceable RAT in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
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 mirrors, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a Sundstrand RAT, P/N 762308, on any airplane, unless it has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD and found to be within the limits specified in the referenced service bulletin.
