Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive measurements for correct control rod gap of the hold-open mechanism of all emergency doors, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires replacing the control rods with new, improved control rods, which would terminate the repetitive measurements. This AD results from a report that an operator found it impossible to lock emergency doors 2 and 3 in the open position. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the emergency doors to lock in the open position, which could interfere with passenger evacuation during an emergency.