Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22318 · Doors
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX and A321-272NX airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0090, dated May 18, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0090).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX and A321-272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by an emergency exit slide deployment test on an Airbus Cabin Flex (ACF) overwing emergency exit, the emergency exit slide did not deploy due to disconnected slide release cable junction. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the installation of the ACF overwing emergency exit slide release mechanism for discrepancies, and applicable corrective actions, 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0090.
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0090 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0090 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0090 specifies compliance times for corrective actions, for this AD, perform those corrective actions at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(i) If missing lockwire around the knurled sleeve nut is found and the slide release cable inside the sleeve nuts and collets is connected (mushroom head inserted in T-slot joint): Install lockwire within 4 months after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) If a disconnected slide release cable inside the sleeve nuts and collets (mushroom head not inserted in T-slot joint) is found and lockwire around the knurled sleeve nut is not missing: Connect slide release cable before further flight.
(iii) If a disconnected slide release cable inside the sleeve nuts and collets (mushroom head not inserted in T-slot joint) is found and the lockwire around the knurled sleeve nut is missing: Connect slide release cable and install lockwire before further flight.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0090 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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 (k) 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 (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0090 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 Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email Vladimir.Ulyanov@faa.gov.
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.
