AD NUMBER: 2015-18-05

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A320-111, -211, and -231 airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-07-14, for the products listed above.

AD 97-07-14 required modification of an area on the front spar of the wing center section by installing shims and new fasteners to reinforce pressure floor fittings.

This new AD continues to require modifying the rib flange on the front spar of the wing center section by installing shims and new fasteners to reinforce pressure floor fittings; and requires repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the radius of the rib flanges and vertical stiffener at frame 36, a rototest inspection for cracking of the fastener holes of the rib flanges, repair if needed, and adding additional airplanes to the applicability.

This AD was prompted by the need for repetitive inspections on airplanes on which the modification of the rib flange on the front spar of the wing center section has been done.

The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking on the rib flange area of the front spar of the wing center section, which can reduce the structural integrity of fuselage frame 36 and the wing center section.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 20, 2015.

FMI: AD