AD 2021-03-05 Requires Inspections Of The Left- And Right-Hand Rudder Side Shells For Defects

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a report that following accomplishment of tap tests on certain modified rudders, disbonding of the rudder was found close to the lightning protection plate. This AD requires inspections of the left- and right-hand rudder side shells for defects, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective February 22, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0002, dated January 6, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0002) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N and -273N airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes are not certified by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

This AD was prompted by a report that following accomplishment of tap tests on rudders that were modified using the procedures in previously issued service information (Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55-1052 dated July 28, 2017, Revision 01, dated January 28, 2015, and Revision 02, dated July 11, 2019, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-55-1059, dated March 8, 2018), disbonding of the rudder was found close to the lightning protection plate. Investigation results determined that those procedures may lead to inadequate curing of the affected part after modification. The FAA is issuing this AD to address disbonding of the rudder, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the rudder, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

FMI: www.regulations.gov