AD NUMBER: 2019-03-25

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus SAS Model A318 and A319 series airplanes, Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by a report that taperloks used in a certain wing-to-fuselage junction were found to be non-compliant with the applicable specification, resulting in a loss of pre-tension in the fasteners.

This AD requires repetitive special detailed inspections of the center and outer wing box lower stiffeners and panels at a certain junction on the left- and right-hand sides for any cracking, and repair if necessary, as specified in an European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.

This AD also provides an optional modification, which would terminate the repetitive inspections.

DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 516 airplanes of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

• 51 work-hours × $85 per hour = $4,335 per airplane.

FMI: AD