Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19165 · Wings
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-211, -212, and -231 airplanes, certificated in any category, manufacturer serial numbers up through 0104 inclusive.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-02-01, which applied to certain Airbus Model A320-211, -212, and -231 airplanes. AD 2016-02-01 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks of the pressurized floor fittings at a certain frame, and renewal of the zone protective finish or replacement of fittings with new fittings if necessary. AD 2016-02-01 also provided an optional modification that was terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2016-02-01, and requires accomplishment of the modification that was optional in AD 2016-02-01. This AD was prompted by the results of an additional fatigue analysis of cracking of the pressurized floor fittings and a determination that the optional modification should become a required action. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and (g)(1)(iii) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the pressurized floor fittings at FR 36, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1028, Revision 02, dated June 3, 2013. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 9,300 flight cycles or 18,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(i) Before exceeding 20,900 flight cycles or 41,800 flight hours, whichever occurs first since first flight of the airplane.
(ii) Within 9,300 flight cycles or 18,600 flight cycles since the most recent inspection accomplished in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1028, Revision 02, dated June 3, 2013.
(iii) Within 1,250 flight cycles or 2,500 flight hours after March 3, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-02-01), without exceeding 12,000 flight cycles since the most recent inspection accomplished in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1028, Revision 02, dated June 3, 2013.
(2) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: Before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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.
Before exceeding 48,000 total flight cycles or 96,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first since first flight of the airplane: Modify (replace aluminum fittings with titanium fittings) the pressurized floor fittings at FR 36, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1029, Revision 02, dated June 16, 1999. Accomplishment of this modification is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for the modified airplane only.
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
