AD 2022-07-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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 SAS airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this AD. (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes. (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes. (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. (5) Model A319-151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes. (6) Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes. (7) Model A321-251N, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2016-17-12, with no changes. For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD: No later than each date specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (5) of this AD, inspect the THSA to determine if it has a part number (P/N) 47145-(XXX), and, if any THSA P/N 47145-(XXX) is found, determine the total number of flight cycles accumulated since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that review. In case maintenance records concerning the most recent NBB disk replacement are unavailable or incomplete, the total flight cycles accumulated since first installation of the THSA on an airplane apply. Accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (1) As of September 30, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-17-12): The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later) is 40,000 total flight cycles. (2) As of December 31, 2016: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later) is 36,000 total flight cycles. (3) As of December 31, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later) is 33,600 total flight cycles. (4) As of December 31, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later) is 31,600 total flight cycles. (5) As of December 31, 2019: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later) is 30,000 total flight cycles.

This AD was prompted by a determination that a more restrictive airworthiness limitation is necessary for the carbon friction disks on the no-back brake (NBB) of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA). The FAA is issuing this AD to address premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of the THSA, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain load conditions, and, in conjunction with the inability of the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could result in uncommanded movements of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.

(1) This AD replaces AD 2016-17-12, Amendment 39-18625 (81 FR 58823, August 26, 2016) (AD 2016-17-12). (2) This AD affects AD 2020-21-10, Amendment 39-21283 (85 FR 65190, October 15, 2020) (AD 2020-21-10).