Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would have superseded an existing AD that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspections to detect cracking of certain floor beams and side box-beams, and repair of cracks. It also requires modification of the pressure floor. The previously proposed action would have added a requirement to install a new, improved modification for the pressure floor. This action revises the previously proposed rule by adding a one-time inspection to verify proper clearance between the fasteners of the reinforcement bracket and the bellcrank of the free-fall extension system of the main landing gear (MLG) and its associated tie rod attachment nut. It also would require that a different new, improved modification be installed. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent reduced structural integrity of the fuselage, restricted operation of the MLG free-fall system and, consequently, reduced ability to use the MLG during an emergency.