AD/A320/71 - Slide/Slide Raft Release Cable

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was enacted to ensure the safety of air travel within Australia. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B01960, was introduced to address the safety risk associated with the slide/slide raft release cable in Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This legislation aims to prevent the non-deployment of doors 1 and 4 LH and RH by ensuring compliance with the Airbus Industrie AOT 25-12 Rev 1 directive. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating corrective actions for a production error that could lead to slide malfunction, thereby protecting passengers and crew on board. The directive applies to all models with specific manufacturing serial numbers, with certain exclusions, and requires compliance within 500 hours of time in service after 16 October 1996. This instrument references relevant notices from the French Civil Aviation Authority, underscoring a collaborative approach to aviation safety. The directive also notes that additional work may be necessary beyond any previous actions taken, ensuring that all identified issues are fully addressed to maintain the integrity and safety of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specify that the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 Series Aeroplanes are subject to specific Airworthiness Directives to ensure safety and compliance with operational standards. The particular directive AD/A320/71 pertains to the slide/slide raft release cable for Airbus models with specific serial numbers up to and including 563, with certain serial numbers excluded. This directive mandates actions as outlined in Airbus Industrie AOT 25-12 Rev 1, addressing a production error that could lead to non-deployment of the aircraft doors and potential operational hazards. Compliance with this directive is essential, requiring corrective actions within 500 hours of time in service after 16 October 1996, unless such actions have already been completed. The directive's scope is comprehensive, applying to all specified aircraft models within the defined parameters, ensuring that all necessary modifications are implemented to mitigate identified risks.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertain to the Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes (AD/A320/71) and specifically address the slide/slide raft release cable issue. Section 13/96 mandates that action be taken in accordance with Airbus Industrie AOT 25-12 Rev 1, ensuring that the slide/slide raft release cable is properly installed and functional. The directive applies to all models with Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSNs) up to and including 563, with specific exclusions noted. Compliance must be achieved within 500 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 16 October 1996, unless the required action has already been completed. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties it governs, including airlines and maintenance operators of the specified Airbus models. These entities must ensure that the slide/slide raft release cable is installed correctly and is operational to prevent any risk of non-deployment of doors 1 and 4 on both the left and right sides of the aircraft. This requirement is critical for ensuring passenger safety and compliance with civil aviation safety standards. Additionally, any previous work carried out in accordance with earlier versions of the requirement document must be supplemented with additional work as specified in the current directive. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and may take action against entities that fail to meet the stipulated requirements. The potential penalties for non-compliance may include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary actions are completed. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the directive, they can be severe given the safety implications of a non-compliant slide/slide raft release cable. It is therefore crucial for operators to adhere to the directive's requirements to avoid legal and safety repercussions.