AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/12 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 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/A320/12
Amdt 1
Flight Controls - EFCS 2/2002
Applicability: Model A320 series 100 and 200 aeroplanes without Airbus Industrie Modification 22371 embodied during production or in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin (SB) A320-27-1032.
Note 1: Modification 22371 was embodied during production on MSN 158, 159, 190 and subsequent aeroplanes.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Airbus Industrie SB A320-27-1031.
Note 2: DGAC 90-138-014(B)R1 refers.
Compliance: Initial compliance remains unchanged as “Prior to 8 August 1990, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding one week” until SB A320-27-1032 is incorporated.
This Amendment becomes effective on 21 February 2002.
Background: DGAC have advised that in order to avoid complete loss of pitch electrical control (reversion to pitch back-up) associated with increase of manual pitch trim control loads of Trimmable Horizontal Stabiliser (THS) (pitch trim wheel), action in accordance with the Requirement Document is necessary.
The original issue of this Directive required repetitive inspections to ensure that the THS actuator was not jammed. Additionally, the Directive imposed operational limitations.
This Amendment clarifies the applicability and introduces an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The Amendment also removes the operational limitation from the Directive, which was included in the Airbus Industrie Master Minimum Equipment List by Temporary Revision 81.
Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes
AD/A320/12 Amdt 1 (continued)
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 8 August 1990.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 18 December 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 30 January 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/12 Amendment 1 in 2002 to address safety concerns regarding the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to correct an unsafe condition associated with the potential for complete loss of pitch electrical control due to increased manual pitch trim control loads of the Trimmable Horizontal Stabiliser (THS). The problem arose from instances where the THS actuator could jam, leading to the reversion to pitch back-up, which could compromise flight safety. The policy objective behind the AD was to mandate specific actions in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-27-1031, thereby ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft models. This directive was a response to advice from the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures and corrective actions. The AD was issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, with the compliance timeline set to ensure continuous and timely safety inspections and actions.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/12 Amdt 1 applies specifically to Airbus Industrie A320 series 100 and 200 aeroplanes that lack Airbus Industrie Modification 22371, either incorporated during production or via Service Bulletin (SB) A320-27-1032. Notably, aeroplanes with serial numbers 158, 159, 190 and subsequent ones include this modification. The directive mandates compliance with Airbus Industrie SB A320-27-1031 to address the unsafe condition related to the increase of manual pitch trim control loads, which could lead to complete loss of pitch electrical control. The AD is applicable under Commonwealth regulations and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It applies to aircraft within the national jurisdiction of Australia, ensuring the safety standards set forth are met. The directive does not exempt any aeroplanes from its requirements unless the specified modifications are in place, and compliance is mandatory for maintaining airworthiness in Australia.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/12 Amendment 1 pertains specifically to Airbus Industrie A320 series 100 and 200 aeroplanes that were not produced with Airbus Industrie Modification 22371, or have not incorporated Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin (SB) A320-27-1032. According to the requirement section, the action stipulated in Airbus Industrie SB A320-27-1031 must be executed to address the unsafe condition identified. The initial compliance period set forth in the directive mandates that the specified action be taken prior to 8 August 1990, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding one week until the SB A320-27-1032 is incorporated. This amendment came into effect on 21 February 2002.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this AD are clear and specific. Operators of A320 series 100 and 200 aeroplanes without the specified modification or bulletin must adhere to the actions outlined in Airbus Industrie SB A320-27-1031. This includes ensuring that the Trimmable Horizontal Stabiliser (THS) actuator is not jammed, as previously required by the original directive. The AD also removes the operational limitations that were previously imposed, which had been included in the Airbus Industrie Master Minimum Equipment List by Temporary Revision 81.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the AD could result in severe consequences. The AD is issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, the AD serves as a formal directive that carries significant implications for non-compliance. The potential risks include compromised airworthiness and safety, which could lead to severe operational and legal repercussions for the operators.