Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18098 · Wings
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes, certificated in any category, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 5817, 5826, 5837, 5848, 5855, 5864, 5875, 5886, 5896, and 5910, and MSNs 5918 and subsequent.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the outboard main landing gear (MLG) support rib lower flange fasteners for discrepancies, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of certain fasteners on the MLG support rib lower flange. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the fasteners at the outboard MLG support rib lower flange, which could result in an airplane not meeting its maximum loads expected in service. This condition could result in structural failure.
Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, or within 4 months after the date of issuance of the original certificate of airworthiness or the original export certificate of airworthiness, or before further flight for any airplane that is not in operation for more than 4 months, whichever occurs latest: Do a detailed visual inspection of the left and right outboard MLG support rib lower flange to detect any discrepancy (broken or missing fastener tails or nuts), in accordance with Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A57N006-14, Revision 00, dated December 4, 2014. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 months.
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any discrepancy is found on the left or right outboard MLG support rib lower flange: Before further flight, replace all affected fasteners on the affected side(s), in accordance with Airbus AOT-A57N006-14, Revision 00, dated December 4, 2014. Replacement of fasteners on an airplane does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
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.
