Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22203 · Equipment/furnishings
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an un-commanded escape slide release during flight due to a blockage of one of the system venting features. This AD requires modification of affected reservoirs, and limits the installation of affected reservoirs, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0176, dated August 24, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0176).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0176 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0176 defines an affected part, for this AD, an affected part is defined as a reservoir having a part number as specified in EASA AD 2022-0176 and a serial number identified in Safran Service Bulletin A321 005-25-37, dated August 1, 2022, or Safran Service Bulletin A321 005-25-38, dated August 1, 2022.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0176 that contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the instructions identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
For more information about this AD, contact Manuel F. Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 562-627-5256; email Manuel.F.Hernandez@faa.gov.
