AD 2013-06-03 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Models named: A318-111, -112, -121, -122, A319-111, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Do the inspections specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Inspect to determine the part number (P/N) and serial number of each Thales Avionics AOA probe, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1452, dated January 29, 2010. If any probe is found having P/N C16291AA and having a serial number listed in Thales Avionics Service Bulletin C16291A-34-007, Revision 04, dated October 11, 2012: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the AOA probe, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1452, provided that Thales Avionics Service Bulletin C16291A-34-009, dated September 10, 2009; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1444, dated October 7, 2009; have not been accomplished. Thales Avionics Service Bulletin C16291A-34-009, dated September 10, 2009; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1444, dated October 7, 2009; (which are not incorporated by reference in this AD) cannot be used for the installation of AOA probes having P/N C16291AB. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the installed AOA probes can be conclusively determined from that review. (2) Inspect to determine the part number and serial number of each Thales Avionics AOA probe, in accordance with paragraph 3.C.(1)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1452, dated January 29, 2010. If any probe is found having P/N C16291AB, on which Thales Avionics Service Bulletin C16291A-34-009, dated September 10, 2009; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1444, dated October 7, 2009; (which are not incorporated by reference in this AD) has been accomplished: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the AOA probe, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of the inspection specified in this paragraph if the part number of the installed AOA probes can be conclusively determined from that review. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Additional guidance for replacing the AOA probes may be found in Task 34-11-19-000-001-A, Removal of the Angle of Attack Sensor, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

This AD was prompted by reports of oil residue between the stator and the rotor parts of the position resolvers of the angle of attack (AOA) vane, which was a result of incorrect removal of the machining oil during the manufacturing process of the AOA resolvers. We are issuing this AD to prevent erroneous AOA information and consequent delayed or non-activation of the AOA protection systems, which during flight at a high angle of attack, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

None.