Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14983 · Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to 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. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the upper and lower attachments of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) to measure for proper clearance and to detect cracks, damage, and metallic particles. The existing AD also requires corrective actions, if necessary, and reports of inspection findings. This new AD shortens the repetitive interval for inspecting the upper THSA attachment. This AD results from new test results on the secondary load path, which indicated the need to shorten the repetitive interval for inspecting the upper THSA attachment. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the THSA's primary load path, which 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.
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.”
Within 20 months since first flight of the airplane, or within 600 flight hours after May 5, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-07-09), whichever occurs later: Do detailed inspections of the lower THSA attachments for proper clearances, 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; or Revision 04, including Appendix 01, dated July 17, 2006. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 04 of the service bulletin may be used. Do corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 20 months.
At the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Do detailed inspections of the upper THSA attachment for cracks, 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 04, including Appendix 01, dated July 17, 2006, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 months.
(1) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and (g)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Within 10 months since the first flight of the airplane.
(ii) Within 10 months after the most recent inspection of the upper THSA attachment done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated March 30, 2005; Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated August 24, 2005; or Revision 04, including Appendix 01, dated July 17, 2006.
(iii) Within 100 days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Within 20 months after the most recent inspection of the upper THSA attachment done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated March 30, 2005; Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated August 24, 2005; or Revision 04, including Appendix 01, dated July 17, 2006.
If any metallic particles are detected during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Repair the damage before further flight in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent); or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
(i) Inspections of the lower THSA attachment done before May 5, 2006, 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 inspection requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
(j) 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; or Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated August 24, 2005; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, send a report of the positive findings of all inspections required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. 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. Using Appendix 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 02, dated March 30, 2005; Revision 03, dated August 24, 2005; or Revision 04, dated July 17, 2006; 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) For any inspection done before the effective date of this AD: Send the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For any inspection done after the effective date of this AD: Send the report within 30 days after the inspection.
