Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21228 · Fuselage
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0030, dated February 18, 2020 (“EASA AD 2020-0030”).
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-18- 09, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. AD 2016-18-09 required repetitive detailed inspections for damage on the fuselage skin at certain frames, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This AD continues to require repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin for chafing damage at certain frames using a new inspection process, and corrective actions if necessary; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by reports of additional chafing of the forward fuselage found underneath the fairing structure. Investigation revealed the cause as contact between the belly fairing nut plate and the fuselage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0030.
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0030 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0030 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0030 refers to the effective date of EASA AD 2014-0259, this AD requires using October 13, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-18-09).
(4) Where EASA AD 2020-0030 refers to doing actions “in accordance with the instructions of” the service information, for this AD, only use paragraph 3.C., “Procedure,” of the service information.
(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0030 requires accomplishing a detailed inspection of the affected area (external fuselage skin panels), for this AD, that inspection also includes inspecting previously repaired areas.
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.
