Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-18- 09, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. AD 2016-18-09 required repetitive detailed inspections for damage on the fuselage skin at certain frames, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This AD continues to require repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin for chafing damage at certain frames using a new inspection process, and corrective actions if necessary; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by reports of additional chafing of the forward fuselage found underneath the fairing structure. Investigation revealed the cause as contact between the belly fairing nut plate and the fuselage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.