AD 2021-10-04 Prompted By A Potential Quality Issue In The Fuel Pump

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 a potential quality issue in the fuel pump that includes a locking key of the impeller drive shaft found loose in the cavity under the impeller. This AD requires replacement of affected fuel pumps, 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. This AD becomes effective April 29, 2021.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2021-0115-E, dated April 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0115-E) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. Model A320-215 airplanes, which are listed in the applicability of EASA AD 2021-0115-E, are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

This AD was prompted by the identification of a potential quality issue found in the fuel pump that includes a locking key of the impeller drive shaft found loose in the cavity under the impeller. Incorrect installation of the locking key combined with a pump operation not fully immersed in fuel could compromise the fuel pump integrity. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition, which, in the case of operating a pump while not fully immersed in fuel, could create an ignition source in the fuel tank, and result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov