AD/A320/196 APS3200 APU Exhaust Tailpipe (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/A320/196 APS3200 APU Exhaust Tailpipe 2/2007

Applicability:

Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 model aircraft, fitted with Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) APIC APS3200 having the following part number (P/N):

• P/N 4500001 with serial numbers (S/N) 1065 through 1451 inclusive; or
• P/N 4500001 modified in accordance with APIC Service Bulletin (SB) 4500001-49-13 (introduction of lightweight tailpipe) at its original issue or at Revision 1.

Aircraft incorporating Airbus modification 28155 are not affected by the Requirements of this Airworthiness Directive (AD).

Requirement:

Modify the exhaust tailpipe in accordance with Airbus SB A320-49-1057 (Airbus SB covering APIC SB 4500001-49-72), original issue or later DGAC approved revisions.

Note:  DGAC AD 2002-456(B) Revision 1 dated 28 May 2003 refers.

Compliance:

Unless already accomplished, within 50 hours or one month from the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive, whichever occurs earlier.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 February 2007.

Background:

There have been several reports of APIC APS3200 exhaust tailpipe ejection with no damage to the aircraft or around the APU area.  Analysis has identified that initiation of cracks in the tailpipe inner liner will result in the separation of the tailpipe.

The actions required by this AD address the unsafe condition associated with the ejection of tailpipe and the possibility of ejected hardware hitting the people on ground.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

5 January 2007