Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

Résumé

The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires modification of the telescopic girt bar of the escape slide/raft assembly, and follow-on actions. This proposed AD would mandate a new modification of the telescopic girt bar, which would terminate the repetitive functional tests required by the existing AD. This proposed AD would also expand the applicability of the existing AD. This proposed AD is prompted by development of a new, improved modification. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the escape slide/raft to deploy correctly, which could result in the slide being unusable during an emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or airplane crewmembers.