Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to advise the flightcrew of emergency procedures for addressing angle of attack (AoA) sensor blockage. The existing AD also provides for optional terminating action for the AFM revision, which involves replacing AoA sensor conic plates with AoA sensor flat plates. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that the replacement of AoA sensor conic plates is necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would mandate the installation of AoA sensor flat plates and removal of the AFM revision. We are proposing this AD to prevent reduced control of the airplane.