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

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 series airplanes, A320-111 airplanes, A320-200 series airplanes, and A321-100 and A321-200 series airplanes. This AD requires operators to review the airplane's maintenance records to determine the part numbers of the magnetic fuel level indicators (MFLI) of the wing fuel tanks, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from several in-service incidents of wear and detachment of the top-stops from the MFLI. Such detachment allows the top-stop to move around the wing fuel tank, and the top-stop could come into contact or in close proximity with a gauging probe, resulting in compromise of the air gap between the probe and the structure and creating a potential ignition source. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the wing fuel tank in the event of a lightning strike, which could result in a fire or explosion.