Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-09- 07, for certain Airbus Model A319-111, -112, and -132 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214 and -232 airplanes; and Model A321-111, - 211, -212, and -231 airplanes. AD 2012-09-07 currently requires performing an electrical bonding test between the gravity fill re-fuel adaptor and the top skin panels on the left-hand and right-hand wings, and if necessary performing a general visual inspection for corrosion of the component interface and adjacent area, and repairing the gravity fuel adaptor if any corrosion is found. Since we issued AD 2012-09-07, we have determined that more airplanes are subject to the identified unsafe condition due to the installation of an incorrect repair intended to address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability in AD 2012-09-07, and would require inspecting those airplanes to determine if a repair was done, and doing the electrical bonding test and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and improper bonding, which, in combination with a lightning strike in this area, could create a source of ignition in a fuel tank, resulting in a fire or explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.