AD/A320/201 Cargo Loading System Fixed YZ Latches (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/A320/201 Cargo Loading System Fixed YZ Latches 3/2007

Applicability:

Model A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, all serial numbers, with at least one of the following Airbus modifications incorporated in production: 20065, 20040, 24495, 24848, 24496, 21895, 21896, 25905, 25907, 22601, 22602, 27187, 28319, 28322, 28330, 28335, and 31797; or,

with one of the following Airbus Service Bulletins incorporated in service:
A320-25-1132, A32-25-1133, A320-1145, A320-25-1175, A320-25-1177,
A320-25-1276, A320-25-1278, A320-28-1134, or A320-28-1141.

Except aircraft that have both Mod. 32244 and 32245 incorporated in production or both Mod. 32316 and 32317 incorporated in production; or Service Bulletin
A320-25-1294 incorporated in service.

Requirement:

Modify the attachment points of fixed YZ-latches of the Cargo Loading System (CLS) in the fwd and aft cargo compartments, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1294 Revision 1, or later EASA approved revision.

Note:  EASA AD 2006-0184 refers.

Compliance:

Within 30 months after 15 March 2007.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 March 2007.

Background:

Quality tests have been performed on installed Tie Down Points of YZ-latches on A320 family.  The tests revealed the parts would not withstand the maximum loads as required by regulatory requirement CS 25.787 “Stowage compartments”.  Failure of the tie-down points could result in unrestrained cargo impacting and damaging aircraft systems located in the front or rear cargo compartments.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

1 February 2007