Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports where the passenger door external handle mechanism was not retrieving its normal, flush position when the door was being closed. This AD requires a one-time cleaning and lubrication of the external door handle mechanism of each affected door, and limits the installation of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.