AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/125 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (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/A320/125
Amdt 1
Thrust Reverser Actuators 11/2003
Applicability: All Model A319-113, -114; A320-111, -211 and –212 series aeroplanes as listed by serial number in Airbus Industries Service Bulletin (SB) A320-78-1020 not incorporating during production AIRBUS modification 20870/P1994.
Requirement: Unless previously accomplished, inspect, and as applicable replace, thrust reverser pivot door actuators in accordance with accomplishment instructions contained in Airbus Industries SB A320-78-1020.
Note 1: If difficulty is found establishing the identification Part Number (P/N) or origins of an actuator during inspection, refer to ROHR SB RA32078-106 for identification guidance. Reference to this SB will be found in the Requirement document.
Terminating Action
The installation of actuator P/N D23090000-6 at all thrust reverser pivot doors of both engines is terminating action for this Directive.
Note 2: DGAC AD 2001-361(B) R1 refers.
Compliance: Remains unchanged. As detailed in the Requirement document with the effective date of 4 October 2001.
This Amendment becomes effective on 30 October 2003.
Background: This Directive was originally issued to require the inspection and replacement of thrust reverser actuators following evidence that some actuators had accumulated more cycles in service than allowed by qualification. This amendment has been raised in response to a revision to the DGAC AD, that includes in the applicability actuators that may have been installed whose identification cannot be positively established.
Note, that the effective date for compliance with this Directive remains the same as the original issue of this Directive.
Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes
AD/A320/125 Amdt 1 (continued)
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 4 October 2001.
Jim Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 18 September 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 October 2003.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/125, initially enacted in 2001 and amended in 2003, addresses safety concerns related to the thrust reverser actuators in Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 series aeroplanes. This legislation, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, aims to rectify unsafe conditions in aircraft components. The directive mandates the inspection and replacement of thrust reverser pivot door actuators for specified models of Airbus aeroplanes, ensuring these aircraft meet required safety standards. This measure was introduced to address issues arising from actuators accumulating more operational cycles than permitted, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with these components. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance airworthiness, ensuring the safety of aviation operations.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/125, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, applies specifically to certain Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This includes Model A319-113, -114; A320-111, -211, and -212 series aeroplanes as listed by serial number in Airbus Industries Service Bulletin (SB) A320-78-1020 that have not incorporated during production AIRBUS modification 20870/P1994. The directive mandates that the action set out in the requirement section must be undertaken, which involves inspecting and, if necessary, replacing thrust reverser pivot door actuators in accordance with instructions provided in Airbus Industries SB A320-78-1020. This directive aims to ensure the safety of these aircraft by addressing potential unsafe conditions related to the specified thrust reverser actuators. The compliance timeframe for this directive remains unchanged from the original issue date of 4 October 2001. The effective date for this amendment is 30 October 2003, and it was notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 October 2003.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) focus on the inspection, replacement, and compliance requirements for thrust reverser actuators in Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. The AD, specifically AD/A320/125 Amendment 1, mandates actions to address safety concerns related to the thrust reverser pivot door actuators. Section 1 outlines the applicability of this AD to specific serial numbers of the mentioned aircraft models, excluding those that incorporated certain production modifications. The requirement section (section 2) mandates that unless previously completed, the thrust reverser pivot door actuators must be inspected and, if necessary, replaced following the instructions in Airbus Industries Service Bulletin (SB) A320-78-1020. This includes guidance for identifying actuators where the Part Number or origins are unclear, as provided in ROHR SB RA32078-106. Section 3 details the terminating action, which is the installation of actuator P/N D23090000-6 at all thrust reverser pivot doors of both engines. The compliance section (section 4) retains the original effective date of 4 October 2001, while this amendment becomes effective on 30 October 2003.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs, primarily aircraft operators and maintenance organisations. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that the specified inspections and, if necessary, replacements of thrust reverser actuators are carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in the referenced service bulletins. This includes identifying and addressing any uncertainties regarding actuator origins or part numbers. The AD also requires that operators maintain records of compliance with the directive, ensuring that all actions are documented and the specified terminating action is achieved. Additionally, operators must ensure that all maintenance and inspection activities are performed by qualified personnel who are familiar with the requirements of the AD and the service bulletins.
There are no explicit offences or penalties mentioned within the text of this AD. However, failure to comply with the AD could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Non-compliance could also result in safety risks, which could lead to investigations, penalties, or other regulatory actions under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. While the AD itself does not specify maximum penalties, CASA has the authority to impose fines and other sanctions for non-compliance with aviation safety regulations.