Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22639 · Doors
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model A318-112 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-115, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-112 airplanes.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318-112 airplanes; Model A319-115, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, - 251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321- 112 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the fatigue life limit of the motoreductor installed on the on-board entrance stairs is not demonstrated for the complete airplane design service goal (DSG). This AD requires repetitive replacement of the motoreductor for onboard entrance stairs, and it limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0014, dated January 18, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0014). Thereafter, before the accumulation of 39,400 total flight cycles on any motoreductor, part number 4255417, 4394656, or 4339747, replace it with a serviceable part as defined in EASA AD 2023-0014.
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0014 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0014.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0014 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 contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are 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 procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
For more information about this AD, contact Tim Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3667; email timothy.p.dowling@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.
