Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16992 · Wings
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A321-131, -211, -212, and -231 airplanes; certificated in any category; manufacturer serial numbers 1293, 1299, 1307, 1333, 1356, and 1366.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A321-131, -211, -212, and -231 airplanes. This AD requires a rotating probe inspection for cracking of the lower panel bore holes of the center wing box (CWB), and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of rib pads of the lower aft panel of the CWB due to poor clamping during drilling, and reports that metal chips trapped between panels and stiffeners could impact the fatigue life of CWB panels. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and damage in the bore holes of the rib pads of the lower forward and aft panels of the CWB which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wings.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Before the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles or 40,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first, since first flight of the airplane: Do a rotating probe inspection for cracking of the bore holes of the rib pads in the lower forward and aft panels of the CWB, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-57-1120, Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, and including Appendix 03, dated November 15, 2006.
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, repair the crack according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or EASA (or its delegated agent).
If no cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, oversize the holes to the next nominal diameter and install the rib pads with the new next nominal diameter fasteners, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-57-1120, Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, and including Appendix 03, dated November 15, 2006.
