Action
Final rule.
Summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 and A319 series airplanes, Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, - 131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that taperloks used in a certain wing-to-fuselage junction were found to be non-compliant with the applicable specification, resulting in a loss of pre-tension in the fasteners. This AD requires repetitive special detailed inspections of the center and outer wing box lower stiffeners and panels at a certain junction on the left- and right-hand sides for any cracking, and repair if necessary, as specified in an European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also provides an optional modification, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.