2009-06-22: Cockpit door latch/striker assembly

2009-06-22 Airbus: Amendment 39-15859. Docket No. FAA-2008-1327; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-161-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 28, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and - 122; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133; A320- 111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, -233; and A321-111, -112, -131, - 211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a cockpit door latch/striker assembly having part number AR4714-1 or AR4714-3. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: Equipment/furnishings. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: An A320 aircraft experienced an event where it was not possible to open the reinforced cockpit door, even after power had been removed from the aircraft. Investigation has identifiedthat the cockpit door latch/striker assembly may have overheated, causing permanent internal damage prior to being electrically isolated by the internal thermal fuse. This condition, in case of a rapid decompression in the cockpit, would prevent the necessary unlocking/ opening of the door, which may lead to failure of the airplane structure. To prevent this, an improved strike package/door bolting system, including a Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC) element (overheat protection) was introduced by Airbus Modification 35219 in production and modification 35218 (Service Bulletin A320-25-1444) in-service. The PPTC is a resettable thermistor and is installed on the frame of the electrically-operated cockpit door latch/striker assembly. The in-service implementation of this modification was originally managed by an Airbus campaign but the rate of installation by operators has not met the expected timescales, making mandatory action necessary to address this. For the reasons described above, this AD requires the installation of improved cockpit door latch/striker assemblies. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace all cockpit door latch/striker assemblies having part number AR4714- 1 or AR4714-3 with modified units in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1444, Revision 02, dated August 1, 2006 (Airbus Modification 35218). (2) Previous accomplishment of the replacement before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1444, dated April 29, 2005; or Revision 01, dated July 19, 2005; meets the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. FAA AD Differences Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance(AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120- 0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2008-0151, dated August 5, 2008; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1444, Revision 02, dated August 1, 2006; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1444, Revision 02, dated August 1, 2006 to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.