Action
Final rule.
Summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, - 114, and -115 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, and -214 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the results of an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH). During a residual fatigue test, the forward engine mount failed prior to reaching the threshold/interval for the detailed inspections of the forward engine mounts specified in the airworthiness limitations. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the right and left forward engine mounts, and corrective action if necessary. These inspections are required by AD 2015-05-02. This AD reduces the compliance times for those inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the forward engine mounts. Such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and could lead to in-flight loss of an engine, possibly resulting in reduced controllability of the airplane.