Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-20- 07, for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2012-20-07 currently requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems, and revising the maintenance program to incorporate revised fuel maintenance and inspection tasks. Since we issued AD 2012-20-07, Airbus has issued more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate revised fuel airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.