Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17406 · Fuel
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, which revealed that certain fuel pumps under certain conditions can create an ignition source in the fuel tank. This AD requires modification of the center tank fuel pump control circuit by installation of ground fault interrupters (GFIs). This AD would also require either replacement of the GFI or deactivation of the associated fuel pump following failure of any post-modification operational test of the GFI. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss 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.
Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the center tank fuel pump control circuit by installing ground fault interrupters (GFIs), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1188, dated March 23, 2012.
For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 150736 has been embodied in production, and on which no GFI has been permanently removed since first flight, the modification specified in paragraph (g) of this AD is not required.
After accomplishment of the modification specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, each time a GFI fails an operational test, before further flight, replace the GFI or deactivate (make inoperative) the associated fuel pump, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA.
Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Guidance on the operational test specified in paragraph (i) of this AD can be found in Task 28.18.00/10, Operational Check of Centre Tank Fuel Pump GFI, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Maintenance Review Board Report or Task 281800-710-801, Operational Check of Centre Tank Fuel Pump GFI, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
Note 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Guidance on the fuel pump deactivation specified in paragraph (i) of this AD can be found in Item 28-21-02, Center Tank Systems, of the FAA Master Minimum Equipment List for Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321.
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.
Aircraft
