Applicability: Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, with Manufacturer Serial Number 0791, 1464, 1660, 1969, 1979, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032, 2033, 2035, 2037, 2039, 2041, 2043, 2045, 2047, 2050 through 2053, 2055, 2057, 2059, 2060, 2062, 2064, 2066, 2067, 2069, 2071, 2072, 2074, 2078 through 2269, 2271 through 2506, 2508 through 2565, 2567 through 2580, 2582 through 2591, 2593 through 2597, 2600, 2601, 2605, 2607, 2610, or 2615.

Requirement:

1. The following operational procedure is rendered mandatory for all flights: In the case of severe turbulence, strictly adhere to reduced speeds as defined in Aircraft Flight Manual Section 4.03.00 Page 03. Insertion of this Directive in the Aircraft Operations Manual and application of this procedure by flight crew complies with the above requirement of this Directive.
2. For aircraft equipped with CFM engines: Inspect ribs 7, 8, and 9 of the left and right engine pylon spar box and apply all necessary corrective actions in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A320-54A1015. Report the results of the inspection to Airbus in accordance with AOT A320-54A1015.
3. For aircraft equipped with IAE engines: Inspect ribs 7, 8, and 9 of the left and right engine pylon spar box and apply all necessary corrective actions in accordance with AOT A320-54A1015. Report the results of the inspection to Airbus in accordance with AOT A320-54A1015.

Note: DGAC AD F-2006-011 refers.

Compliance:

1. Effective from 14 January 2006.
2. Within 6 months after 14 January 2006.
3. Within 9 months after 14 January 2006.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 14 January 2006.

Background: The manufacturer recently discovered that certain engine pylon spar box ribs constructed of stainless steel material may not have been heat-treated in production, prior to installation in the pylon. The omission of the heat treatment operation results in a significant reduction of the material allowable yield stress. As a consequence, non heat-treated ribs may not meet all the certification requirements, especially for vertical gust.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au