Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which is applicable to all Model A320 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive measurements of the deflection of the elevator trailing edge; inspections of the elevator servo controls and their attachments; and replacement of worn or damaged parts, if necessary. This amendment requires periodic inspection of the elevators for excessive freeplay, repair of worn parts if excessive freeplay is detected, and modification of the elevator neutral setting. It also revises the applicability to include additional airplane models. This amendment is prompted by additional reports of severe vibration in the aft cabin of Model A320 series airplanes and studies that indicate that the primary cause is excessive freeplay in the elevator attachments. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent excessive vibration of the elevators, which could result in reduced structural integrity and reduced controllability of the airplane.