Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing vent float valve with a new improved vent float valve. This proposed AD results from reports of failure of the vent float valve in the left-hand outboard section of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer. We are proposing this AD to prevent, in the event of a lightning strike to the horizontal stabilizer, sparking of metal parts and debris from detached and damaged float vales, or a buildup of static electricity, which could result in ignition of fuel vapors and consequent fire or explosion.