Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Industrie Model A320 series airplanes, that currently requires a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit automatic landings in configuration 3 (CONF 3). This action would limit the applicability of the existing AD, and add a new revision to the AFM to indicate that automatic landings in CONF 3 are prohibited and to specify an increased minimum runway visual range for airplanes on which certain modifications have not been accomplished. This action also would require eventual replacement of the existing spoiler elevator computers with improved parts, and insertion of new pages into the AFM that correct landing distances required for automatic landings in CONF 3. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent pitch- up of the airplane due to activation of the spoilers during an automatic landing, which, if not corrected, could result in tail strikes and structural damage to the airplane.