Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-19- 11 for certain Airbus Model 320 series airplanes. AD 2004-19-11 currently requires modification of the inner rear spar web of the wing, cold expansion of the attachment holes of the forward pintle fitting and the actuating cylinder anchorage of the main landing gear (MLG), repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking of the rear spar of the wing, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2004-19-11 also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2004-19-11, we have determined that the terminating action is necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural maintenance program. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2004-19-11 and would require the previously optional terminating action. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the inner rear spar, which may lead to reduced structural integrity of the wing and the MLG.