AD/A320/133 - Rear Passenger Door Frame Fitting (Cth)

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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/A320/133 Rear Passenger Door Frame Fitting 3/2002

Applicability: All Model A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, except aircraft which have received Airbus Industrie modification 30821 in-production or Service Bulletin A320-53-1154 in-service.

Requirement: Replace the upper rod guide fittings at both rear passenger doors in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-53-1154.

Note: DGAC AD 2001-634(B).

Compliance: Before 31 October 2003, unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 21 March 2002.

Background: Several cases of cracking and rupture of passenger rear door upper guide rod fittings have been reported in service. In the case of an emergency evacuation, rupture of the fitting during passenger door assisted opening may result in a door in a partially opened configuration, with the risk of impeding the evacuation of the passengers.