Department of Transportation November 28, 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-06, which applied to certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes. AD 2017-01-06 required inspection and replacement of certain tie rod assemblies installed on the hinged fairing assembly of the main landing gear (MLG). We issued AD 2017-01-06 to detect and correct the absence of cadmium plating on the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies. Since we issued AD 2017- 01-06, we have determined that although cadmium plating might be absent, the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies can withstand the expected environmental conditions, therefore the unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not exist.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, - 232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, - 213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on frame forks and outer skin on the forward and aft cargo compartment doors. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the frame forks, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also includes optional modifications that constitute terminating action. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.