AD/A320/194 Rudder Actuator Attachment Fittings (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes

AD/A320/194 Rudder Actuator Attachment Fittings 11/2006

Applicability:

All Model A320 series aircraft, except aircraft with Airbus modification 21733 or 21999 incorporated in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55-1030 incorporated in service.

Requirement:

Replace the existing Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) rudder actuator attachment fittings with aluminium alloy fittings in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55-1030 original issue, or later EASA approved revision.

Note:  EASA AD 2006-0262 refers.

Compliance:

Within 9,000 flight cycles, or 12,000 flight hours, or 60 months, after
26 October 2006, whichever occurs first.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 26 October 2006.

Background:

The failure of a CFRP rudder actuator attachment fitting occurred as a result of incorrect accomplishment of the centering spring rod operational test on an A320 aircraft.  Investigation revealed that the CFRP actuator fitting did not comply with the requirements of JAR 25.391.  The compression condition for the wind gust according to JAR 25.415 was not considered in the justification.  This Directive requires replacement of the affected CFRP actuator fittings with aluminium alloy ones.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 September 2006