AD/A320/36 Amdt 2 - Passenger Door Lower Connection Link Bushes

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), particularly in Part 39, address various safety directives, including those for Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to ensure that aircraft maintain airworthiness and safety standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Parliament of Australia, implements these regulations to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations. A specific issue addressed by these regulations is the safety concern identified with the lower connection link bushes of passenger doors in certain Airbus models, which could potentially jam during an emergency evacuation. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and maintenance actions to prevent such incidents, ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of air travel. The legislative instrument F2006B01926, as an amendment to the existing Airworthiness Directives, specifically targets the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This amendment was introduced to update the compliance requirements concerning the lower connection link bushes of passenger doors. The intent is to address a previously identified safety risk where the lower connecting link bush had migrated, causing the door to jam during an emergency evacuation. By specifying the required actions and intervals for inspections and maintenance, the amendment aims to enhance the safety of these aircraft, ensuring they meet the stringent airworthiness standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 Series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of these aircraft that have not incorporated Modification 22422 (SB A320-52-1027). The directive mandates actions to be taken in accordance with specific Airbus Industrie operational and service bulletins, namely AOT 52-04 Revision 1 and SB A320-52-1047, as well as the installation of kit number 521027A02 on all doors. This applies universally within the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing stringent safety standards across all entities operating these aircraft within the country's airspace. The legislation does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but requires compliance within specified time intervals post the reference date of 19 January 1994. The regulation may be further detailed or amended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, detail the requirements for the maintenance and inspection of Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. In the context of the Airbus Industrie A320 series aeroplanes, Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/36 Amendment 2, issued on 10/94, pertains to the passenger door lower connection link bushes (section 1). This directive applies to all models without Modification 22422 (SB A320-52-1027) embodied. Section 2 of the AD specifies that, unless already completed, the action must comply with either Airbus Industrie AOT 52-04 Revision 1 dated 12 October 1993 or Airbus Industrie SB A320-52-1047. Furthermore, it mandates the installation of kit number 521027A02 on all doors as per Airbus Industrie S.B. A320-52-1027. Compliance with DGAC AD 93-207-048(B) R1 is also noted. The directive requires compliance within specific timeframes: the primary action must be taken within 450 hours’ time in service after 19 January 1994 and then at intervals not exceeding 900 hours’ time in service until modified. Additionally, a secondary compliance action must be taken within 3500 hours’ time in service after 19 January 1994. The obligations imposed by this AD are primarily on the operators and maintenance personnel of the Airbus A320 series aeroplanes. They must ensure that the lower connection link bushes are inspected and maintained according to the specified timeframes and requirements. This involves adherence to the instructions provided by Airbus Industrie and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including the installation of the specified kits and following the outlined compliance intervals. Failure to comply with the AD could result in significant civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can generally lead to fines, grounding of the aircraft, and potential criminal charges against the operators or responsible personnel. The severity of the penalties can depend on the extent and impact of the non-compliance, but the overarching aim is to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in operation.