EASA AD No.

: 2017-0237

Airworthiness Directive
AD No.: 2017-0237
Issued: 04 December 2017
Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with Regulation
(EC) 216/2008 on behalf of the European Union, its Member States and of the European third
countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of that Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 748/2012, Part 21.A.3B. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the
continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an aircraft to which
an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD, unless otherwise specified by the Agency [Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 Annex I,
Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [Regulation (EC) 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption].

Design Approval Holder’s Name: Type/Model designation(s):

AIRBUS A318, A319, A320 and A321 aeroplanes

Effective Date: 18 December 2017

TCDS Number(s): EASA.A.064
Foreign AD: Not applicable
Supersedure: This AD supersedes EASA AD 2014-0147 dated 11 June 2014.

ATA 27 – Flights Controls – Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator – Inspection

Manufacturer(s):
Airbus (formerly Airbus Industrie)

Applicability:
Airbus A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114,
A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216,
A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213,
A321-231 and A321-232 aeroplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.

Reason:
The Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) of Airbus A320 Family aeroplanes has been
rig-tested to check secondary load path behaviour in case of primary load path failure. In that
configuration, the loads are transferred to the secondary load path, which should jam, preventing
any Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer motion. The test results showed that the secondary load path
did not jam as expected, preventing detection of the primary load path failure. To verify the
integrity of the THSA primary load path and the correct installation of the THSA, Airbus issued
Service Bulletin (SB) A320-27-1164, later revised multiple times, and SB A320-27A1179, and EASA
issued AD 2006-0223, AD 2007-0178, AD 2008-0150 and AD 2014-0147, each AD superseding the
previous one, requiring one-time and repetitive inspections.

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Since EASA AD 2014-0147 was issued, Airbus designed a new device, called Electrical Load Sensing
Device (ELSD), to introduce a new mean of THSA upper secondary load path engagement detection.
Consequently, Airbus issued several SBs (Airbus SB A320-27-1245, A320-27-1246, and A320-27-
1247, depending on aeroplane configuration) providing instructions to install the wiring provision
for ELSD installation and to install ELSD on the THSA, and SB A320-27-1248, providing instructions to
activate the ELSD. Airbus also revised SB A320-27-1164, now at Revision 13, including instructions
applicable for aircraft equipped with ELSD.

Furthermore, following a visual inspection of the THSA, an operator reported that the THSA was
found with a bush missing, inducing torqueing of the THSA lower attachment primary bolt against
the THSA lug, which resulted in the application of a transverse force on the lug.
Prompted by several other identical findings, Airbus released Alert Operator Transmission (AOT)
A27N010-17 to provide instructions for inspection and associated corrective actions.

For the reasons described above, this AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0147, which is
superseded, and requires installation of ELSD on the THSA, ELSD activation, and a one-time
inspection to verify the bush presence on the THSA lower attachment.

Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

Re-statement of the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0147 (see Note 1):

Note 1: EASA AD 2014-0147 required to accomplish the repetitive inspections, corrective actions
and related reporting, as required by paragraphs (1) to (4) of this AD, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus SB A320-27-1164 Revision 10. Since the issuance of AD 2014-0147, Airbus SB
A320-27-1164 Revision 13 was issued and has replaced, in the re-stated requirements of that AD,
the Airbus SB A320-27-1164 Revision 10 reference.

Repetitive Inspections:
(1) Before exceeding 20 months since aeroplane first flight, or since aeroplane first flight following
last THSA replacement, or within 20 months after the last inspection of the lower THSA
attachment in accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A320-27-1164 (Revision 02 up to
Revision 09), whichever occurs later, and, thereafter, at intervals not exceeding 20 months,
accomplish concurrently the actions as specified in paragraphs (1.1), (1.2) and (1.3) of this AD,
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A320-27-1164 Revision 13.

(1.1) Check the clearance between the secondary nut trunnions and the junction plates at the
lower THSA attachment.

(1.2) Visually inspect the lower THSA attachment for correct installation of attachment parts.

(1.3) Visually inspect the ball screw.

(2) Before exceeding 10 months since aeroplane first flight, or since aeroplane first flight following
last THSA replacement, or within 10 months after the last inspection of the upper THSA
attachment in accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A320-27-1164 (Revision 02 up to
Revision 09), whichever occurs later, and, thereafter, at intervals not exceeding 10 months,

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accomplish concurrently the actions as specified in paragraphs (2.1) and (2.2) of this AD, in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A320-27-1164 Revision 13.

(2.1) Inspect the upper THSA attachment for correct installation, cracks, damage, and metallic
particles.

(2.2) Visually inspect the upper attachment for correct installation of attachment parts.

Corrective Action(s):
(3) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (1) or (2) of this AD, any discrepancy is
detected, accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with the instructions of,
and within the compliance time as identified in, Airbus SB A320-27-1164 Revision 13.

Reporting Requirements:
(4) Within 30 days after each action as required by paragraph (3) of this AD, in case of any findings,
report the inspection results to Airbus. This can be accomplished by using the Appendix 01
“Inspection Reporting Sheet” of SB A320-27-1164 Revision 13.

New requirements of this AD:

One-Time Inspection:
(5) For aeroplanes on which the THSA has been replaced or reinstalled since Airbus date of
manufacture, within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish a detailed
inspection of the THSA lower attachment in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT
A27N010-17.

Corrective Action(s):
(6) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (5) of this AD, the measured gap is less than
0.5 mm, before next flight, replace the THSA in accordance with the instructions of AOT
A27N010-17.

Modification:
Note 2: For the purpose of this AD, Group 1 aeroplanes are those that, on the effective date of this
AD, do not have the ELSD activated. Group 2 aeroplanes are those that, on the effective date of this
AD, have the ELSD activated.

(7) For an aeroplane equipped with a THSA having a part number listed in Appendix 1 of this AD:
Concurrently with or before the modification as required by paragraph (9) of this AD, modify
the aeroplane in accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A320-27-1247.

(8) For Group 1 aeroplanes (see Note 2 of this AD): Concurrently with or before the modification as
required by paragraph (9) of this AD, modify the aeroplane in accordance with the instructions
of Airbus SB A320-27-1245 or SB A320-27-1246, as applicable.

(9) For Group 1 aeroplanes (see Note 2 of this AD): Within 4 years after the effective date of this
AD, activate the ELSD of the THSA on the aeroplane in accordance with the instructions of
Airbus SB A320-27-1248.

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Terminating Action:
(10) None.

Note 3: Accomplishment on an aeroplane of the one-time inspection, related corrective action(s), as

applicable, and the modification as required by paragraphs (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9) of this AD, as
applicable, do not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by
paragraphs (1) and (2) of this AD for that aeroplane.

Credit:
(11) An aeroplane on which Airbus modification 155955 has been embodied in production is
considered compliant with paragraphs (7), (8) and (9) on this AD, provided that it is determined
that no THSA with a Part Number (P/N) listed in Appendix 1 of this AD is installed on that
aeroplane, and that the ELSD is kept activated.

A review of aeroplane maintenance records is acceptable to make this determination, provided

those records can be relied upon for that purpose.

(12) An aeroplane on which the THSA has been installed in accordance with the instructions of
Aeroplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 27-44-51-400-001 Revision May 2017, or later one, is
not affected by the inspection requirement of paragraph (5) of this AD.

(13) Inspections, corrective actions and related reporting accomplished on an aeroplane before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A320-27-1164
Revision 10, or Revision 11, or Revision 12 are acceptable to comply with the initial
requirements of paragraphs (1) to (4) of this AD for that aeroplane.

Parts Installation:
(14) Do not install on any aeroplane a THSA with a P/N listed in Appendix 1 of this AD and do not
deactivate the ELSD as required by paragraph (14.1) or (14.2) of this AD, as applicable.

(14.1) Group 1 aeroplanes (see Note 2 of this AD): After modification of the aeroplane as
required by paragraph (9) of this AD.

(14.2) Group 2 aeroplanes (see Note 2 of this AD): From the effective date of this AD.

Ref. Publications:
Airbus SB A320-27-1164 Revision 02 dated 30 March 2005, or Revision 03 dated 24 August 2005, or
Revision 04 dated 17 July 2006, or Revision 05 dated 11 January 2007, or Revision 06 dated 01 April
2008, or Revision 07 dated 23 June 2009, or Revision 08 dated 06 July 2010, or Revision 09 dated 02
May 2012, or Revision 10 dated 27 March 2014, or Revision 11 dated 15 December 2014, or
Revision 12 dated 23 March 2016, or Revision 13 dated 08 August 2016.

Airbus SB A320-27-1245 original issue dated 06 March 2017.

Airbus SB A320-27-1246 original issue dated 20 March 2015, or Revision 01 dated 04 November
2016.

Airbus SB A320-27-1247 original issue dated 06 March 2017.

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Airbus SB A320-27-1248 original issue dated 06 March 2017.

Airbus AOT 27N010-17 original issue dated 27 March 2017, or Revision 01 dated 17 October 2017.

The use of later approved revisions of these documents is acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of this AD.

Remarks:
1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve Alternative Methods of
Compliance for this AD.

2. This AD was posted on 06 October 2017 as PAD 17-140 for consultation until 03 November
2017. The Comment Response Document can be found in the EASA Safety Publications Tool, in
the compressed (zipped) file attached to the record for this AD.

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the EASA Safety Information Section,
Certification Directorate. E-mail: [email protected].

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in this AD, please
contact: AIRBUS – Airworthiness Office – EIAS; Fax +33 5 61 93 44 51;
E-mail: [email protected].

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Appendix 1 – THSA without ELSD – Part Number

47145-021 47145-140
47145-030 47145-141
47145-031 47145-142
47145-032 47145-143
47145-033 47145-144
47145-034 47145-145
47145-035 47145-146
47145-036 47145-147
47145-037 47145-148
47145-050 47145-150
47145-051 47145-151
47145-052 47145-152
47145-053 47145-153
47145-054 47145-154
47145-055 47145-155
47145-056 47145-156
47145-057 47145-157
47145-121 47145-160
47145-130 47145-161
47145-131 47145-162
47145-132 47145-163
47145-133 47145-164
47145-134 47145-165
47145-135 47145-166
47145-136 47145-167
47145-137 47145-168

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CUSTOMER SERVICES DIRECTORATE
1 ROND POINT MAURICE BELLONTE
31707 BLAGNAC CEDEX FRANCE
TELEPHONE + 33 (0)5 61 93 33 33

ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT

SUBJECT: ATA 27 – Inspection of THSA lower attachment

AIRCRAFT TYPE: A318,A319,A320,A321

OUR REF.: A27N010-17 Rev 01 dated 17-OCT-2017.

OUR PREVIOUS REF.: A27N010-17 Rev 00 dated 27-MAR-2017.

0. REASON FOR REVISION:

The aim of Revision 01 of this AOT is to provide the operators with the repair instructions which must be
performed on the THSA in shop in case of positive finding.

The revised paragraphs are indicated between **BEG. REV** and **END REV**.

1. AIRCRAFT AFFECTED
All A320 family aircraft on which THSA have been replaced since aircraft delivery from production.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTATION
2.1 APPENDIX

**BEG. REV**

AOT Appendix_A27N010-17
AOT Appendix_Repair Instructions

**END REV**

2.2 REFERENCES

Ref.1: MPD task 274451-05-1 “Detailed inspection of the upper and lower THS actuator attachment
(primary and secondary)”
Ref.2: Bush (I.P.C. 27-44-04-03 Item 420)
Ref.3: AMM TASK 27-44-51-220-002-A “Detailed Visual Inspection of the Upper and the Lower
Attachments (Primary and Secondary) of the THS-Actuator”
Ref.4: Tab washer (IPC 27-44-04-03 item 340)
Ref.5: AMM TASK 27-44-51-000-001-A “Removal of the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS)
Actuator” and AMM TASK 27-44-51-400-001-A “Installation of the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS)
Actuator”
Ref.6: SB 27-1164 “FLIGHT CONTROLS - TRIMMABLE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER ACTUATOR -
INSPECT INTEGRITY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LOAD PATH AT THE UPPER AND LOWER
ATTACHMENT”

3. REASON
3.1 FACTS

AOT ref: A27N010-17 Rev 01 Page 1 of 4 Date: 17-OCT-2017

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 ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT

During visual inspection of THSA as per Ref. 1 MPD task, one operator reported that the THSA was
found with Ref. 2 bush missing. Due to the missing bush the THSA lower attachment primary bolt was
torqued against the THSA lug which resulted in the application of a transverse force on the lug.

Following this finding, other aircraft in the same airline fleet have been inspected and 2 other THSA
were found with similar mis-installation.

For all the 3 cases, the involved THSA’s were recently replaced.

3.2 CONSEQUENCES

Following this report, a study has been launched to assess the consequence of mis-installation on
THSA structural integrity. Preliminary results indicate the transverse force on THSA lug has a significant
impact on the structural fatigue and static margin.

The A320 THSA lower attachment is made of 8 attachment plates which are paired by 2 to make 4
structural lugs. Each structural lug is therefore composed of 2 attachment plates which constitute 2
independent load paths (dual load path lug).

Potential consequence of attachment plate rupture has been assessed:

- In the event of single attachment plate rupture the loads will be fully taken through the paired
attachment plate with no effect at aircraft level.
- In the event of double failure of paired attachment plates the effect may ultimately be a
disconnection of THSA attachment to THS.

3.3 AIM

The aim of this AOT is to provide instructions for a one time inspection of THSA lower attachment to
ensure that no bushes are missing.

4. SHORT TERM ACTION

4.1 PLANNING AND MANPOWER
4.1.1 ACCOMPLISHMENT TIMESCALE

Inspection of THSA lower attachment is required within 6 months from AOT issuance for all A320 family
aircraft on which THSA has been replaced by operators since aircraft delivery from production.

4.1.2 MANPOWER

The estimated time to perform the work is 0.55 MH which is split as follows:

- 0.15 MH to get access to the THSA area

- 0.25 MH to do the clearance check
- 0.15 MH for close up

4.2 DESCRIPTION
4.2.1 ACCESS

Get access to inspection area as per paragraph 3 ”job setup” of Ref 3. AMM task.

After inspection do the close up procedure as per paragraph 5 “Close up” of Ref 3. AMM task.

AOT ref: A27N010-17 Rev 01 Page 2 of 4 Date: 17-OCT-2017

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 ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT

4.2.2 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Using a feeler gage of 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) check that the gap “A” between THSA Tab washer Ref 4.
and THSA attachment plates is more than or equal to 0.5 mm (0.02 inches). Refer to Appendix:
Appendix_A27N010-17.

This check should be performed on both LH and RH attachment sides.

4.2.3 FINDINGS

**BEG. REV**

- If the gap “A” is more than or equal to 0.5 mm: no further action is needed.
- If the gap “A” is less than 0.5 mm: THSA must be replaced as per Ref 5. AMM tasks before next
flight.

During replacement of THSA as per Ref 5. AMM, inspect THSA parts to confirm missing bushing. If no
part is missing please contact Airbus for assessment.

In case of confirmed mis-installation, THSA must be repaired in shop by applying the repair instructions
attached in Appendix: Appendix_Repair Instructions.
Note: THSA repair can only be performed in shop. THSA repair instructions in attachment must be
provided to the repair shop.

**END REV**

4.3 SPARES AND TOOLING

Reference QTY DESIGNATION

No specific AR ACCESS PLATFORM 6M (20 FT) - ADJUSTABLE
No specific AR FLASHLIGHT
No specific AR WARNING NOTICE(S)
No specific 1 FEELER GAGE 0.5 mm (0.02 inches)

5. FURTHER INFORMATION
5.1 FOLLOW-UP PLAN

None.

5.2 IMPACTED DOCUMENTATION

**BEG. REV**

Ref. 5 AMM tasks correctly document bush Ref. 2 installation. This AMM task has been amended in the
AMM May 2017 revision to include the check of this AOT in the paragraph M “Final inspection” which is
performed after THSA installation as an additional mean to avoid mis-installation.

**END REV**

6. AOT APPROVAL

The technical content of this document is approved under the authority of DOA nr. EASA.21J.031.
It is anticipated that this AOT will be rendered mandatory by an EASA AD.

AOT ref: A27N010-17 Rev 01 Page 3 of 4 Date: 17-OCT-2017

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 ALERT OPERATORS TRANSMISSION - AOT

7. REPORTING

Questions about this AOT are to be addressed to Airbus Customer Services through TechRequest on
Airbus World, selecting Maintenance & Engineering Domain, Engineering Support section and ATA 27-
40.

As per latest reporting policy (Ref to OIT 999.0018/16), inspection results (with or without findings) are to
be addressed to Airbus Customer Services through the generic e-mail address:
[email protected].

Best Regards,

Jean-Luc MOUYSSET Jean-Pierre GOMEZ

VICE PRESIDENT ENGINEERING SUPPORT VICE PRESIDENT A320 FAMILY
CUSTOMER SERVICES PROGRAMME

AOT ref: A27N010-17 Rev 01 Page 4 of 4 Date: 17-OCT-2017

© AIRBUS S.A.S. 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY DOCUMENT