The in-service implementation of this modification was originally managed by an Airbus campaign but the rate of installation by operators has not met the expected timescales, making mandatory action necessary to address this. The PPTC is a resettable thermistor and is installed on the frame of the electrically-operated cockpit door latch/striker assembly. To prevent this, an improved strike package/door bolting system, including a Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC) element (overheat protection) was introduced by Airbus Modification 35219 in production and modification 35218 (SB A320-25-1444) in-service. This condition, in case of a rapid decompression in the cockpit, would prevent the necessary unlocking/opening of the door, which may lead to failure of the aircraft structure. Investigation has identified that the cockpit door latch/striker assembly may have overheated, causing permanent internal damage prior to being electrically isolated by the internal thermal fuse. The cockpit bulkhead and door must be designed to resist penetration by small arms fire and fragmentation in order to meet FAA standards. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 October 2008.Īn A320 aircraft experienced an event where it was not possible to open the reinforced cockpit door, even after power had been removed from the aircraft. Most commercial aircraft cockpit doors are made of high-strength, lightweight composites that range in price from 30,000 to 50,000 for each door. P/N AR4714-1 or AR4714-3 cockpit door latch/striker assemblies may not be installed on any aeroplane as a replacement spare.įor Requirement 1 - Not later than 31 March 2009. Replace the P/N AR4714-1 and AR4714-3 cockpit door latch/striker assemblies with modified units (Modification 35218) in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-25-1444 Initial Issue dated 29 April 2005, Revision 1 dated 19 July 2005, Revision 2 dated 1 August 2006 or later Revision approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).Ģ. Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes AD/A320/227Īircraft models listed in Table 1, all serial numbers, if equipped with cockpit door electrical latch/striker assembly Part Number (P/N) AR4714-1 or AR4714-3.ġ. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section. For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.
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