AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/159 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/A320/159
Amdt 1
Emergency Escape Path Marking System Power Supplies
12/2004
Applicability: Airbus A319, A320 and A321 series aeroplanes all serial numbers, that are equipped with the Emergency Power Supply Units (EPSU) of the Floor Proximity Emergency Escape Path Marking System (FPEEPMS) Bruce Part Number (P/N) 100865.
Note 1: Action is not required for aeroplanes with EPSUs having Diehl P/N 3214-51, 3214-52, 3214-54 or 3214-55 if a Bruce EPSU P/N 100865 is not installed.
Requirement: 1. For aeroplanes equipped with Diehl EPSU P/N 3214-51, 3214-52, 3214-54 or 3214-55 and Bruce EPSU P/N 100865 - If not previously accomplished in accordance with AD/A320/159 original issue, carry out the following in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-33-1041 or later revision approved by the DGAC:
a. Remove Bruce EPSU P/N 100865,
b. Remove Diehl EPSU P/N 3214-51, 3214-52, 3214-54 or 3214-55,
c. Install improved Diehl EPSU P/N 3214-54-10 or 3214-55-10, and
d. Modify the wiring.
2. For aeroplanes equipped with Diehl EPSU P/N 3214-54-10 or 3214-55-10 and Bruce EPSU P/N 100865 - Carry out the following in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-33-1041 or later revision approved by the DGAC:
- Remove Bruce EPSU 100865, and
b. Modify the wiring.
Note 2: DGAC AD F-2004-121 R1 (EASA Approval 2004-10126) refers.
Compliance: For Requirements 1 and 2 - Before 31 December 2005.
This Amendment becomes effective on 25 November 2004.
Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes
AD/A320/159 Amdt 1 (continued)
Background: The existing system architecture of the Bruce FPEEPMS does not comply with the requirements of the JAR/FAR 25.812 (I)(1) since none of the connected FPEEPMS including the Exit identifiers will illuminate in the event of an accident leading to a vertical separation of the fuselage forward of door number 1.
The original issue of this Directive required the replacement of EPSUs. This amendment clarifies which EPSUs are to be replaced.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 30 September 2004.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 15 October 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 November 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/159 Amendment 1 in 2004 to address safety concerns with the Emergency Escape Path Marking System (EPMS) power supplies in Airbus A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This directive specifically targets the Emergency Power Supply Units (EPSU) of the Floor Proximity Emergency Escape Path Marking System (FPEEPMS) to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The directive revokes the original AD/A320/159 and outlines specific actions to be taken on the affected aeroplanes to rectify the unsafe condition, such as the removal and replacement of certain EPSUs and modifications to the wiring, to be completed before 31 December 2005. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the safety of emergency escape path markings in the event of an accident, ensuring that all connected components, including exit identifiers, will illuminate as required by JAR/FAR 25.812 (I)(1).
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/159, as amended, applies to Airbus A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes that are equipped with specific Emergency Power Supply Units (EPSU) for the Floor Proximity Emergency Escape Path Marking System (FPEEPMS). Specifically, it targets aeroplanes with Bruce EPSU Part Number (P/N) 100865, as well as those with Diehl EPSU P/Ns 3214-51, 3214-52, 3214-54, or 3214-55. However, aeroplanes solely equipped with Diehl EPSUs P/Ns 3214-51, 3214-52, 3214-54, or 3214-55 are exempt from the action required if a Bruce EPSU P/N 100865 is not installed. This AD is issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia. The directive mandates compliance by 31 December 2005, requiring the replacement or modification of certain EPSUs to ensure compliance with JAR/FAR 25.812(I)(1), which pertains to emergency escape path markings. This AD was first issued on 30 September 2004 and amended on 25 November 2004, with its details published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 November 2004.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/159 Amendment 1 concern the applicability, requirement, and compliance timelines for specific Airbus A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. Section 1 specifies the aircraft affected, which must be equipped with the Emergency Power Supply Units (EPSU) of the Floor Proximity Emergency Escape Path Marking System (FPEEPMS) Bruce Part Number (P/N) 100865. Section 2 outlines the actions required to address the unsafe condition, including the removal and replacement of certain EPSUs and wiring modifications, as per Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-33-1041 or a later revision approved by the DGAC. Section 3 provides the compliance timeline, mandating that these actions be completed before 31 December 2005.
The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties governed, such as aircraft operators and maintenance providers, include ensuring that the specified actions are carried out on the relevant aircraft. Operators must verify that the affected aircraft are equipped with the specified EPSU configurations and that the actions required by the AD are completed within the stipulated timeframe. Maintenance providers must follow the instructions outlined in the Airbus Service Bulletin and ensure that the modifications are correctly implemented. Compliance with the AD is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the specified actions could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy.
There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned in the AD itself for failure to comply with the directive. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including grounding of the aircraft, potential fines, and other regulatory penalties. The severity of these consequences can depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the overarching principle is that adherence to airworthiness directives is critical to maintaining the safety standards required by aviation authorities.