Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-100 Series Airplanes, Model A319-100 Series Airplanes, Model A320-111 Airplanes, Model A320-200 Series Airplanes, and Model A321-100 Series Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect wear of the inboard flap trunnions, and to detect wear or de-bonding of the protective half-shells; corrective actions, if necessary; and terminating action. This new AD removes the repetitive inspections to detect wear of the inboard flap trunnions and to detect wear or de- bonding of the protective half-shells; and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD adds repetitive detailed inspections of the inboard flap trunnions for any wear marks and of the sliding panels for any cracking at the long edges, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD results from reports of wear damage to the inboard flap trunnions after incorporation of the terminating modification. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct wear of the inboard flap trunnions, which could lead to loss of flap surface control and consequently result in the flap detaching from the airplane. A detached flap could result in damage to the tail of the airplane.