{"id":"F2006B01922","name":"AD/A320/30 - Seat Track Joints at Frame 64","slug":"ad-a320-30-seat-track-joints-at-frame-64","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":41144,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B01922-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/A320/30 - Seat Track Joints at Frame 64","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nAirbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/A320/30 Seat Track Joints at Frame 64 8/93\n\nDM\n\nApplicability: Aircraft S/nos 002 to 008, 010 to 014, 016 to 078, 080 to 122, 124 to 179, 183 to 194,\n\n196 to 228, 230 to 251, 253 to 255 inclusive.\n\nRequirement: 1. Inspect in accordance with Airbus Industrie AOT 53-01 dated 27 August 1992.\n\n2. Modify in accordance with Airbus Industrie SB A320-53-1088 if the gap is greater than 2.8mm.\n\nNote: DGAC AD 93-081-042(B) refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Prior to 31 July 1993. Thereafter, where the gap is greater than 2.8 mm, at each configuration change until modified.\n\n2. Prior to 31 December 1995.\n\nBackground: At frame 64 the seat track gap may be excessive. This may result in the release of seats and /or other attached equipment under the loads that may be experienced during an emergency landing.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, targeted safety directive addressing a specific manufacturing defect in early-production Airbus aircraft. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of ensuring seat track integrity at Frame 64."},"complexity_factors":["Single, specific technical issue (seat track gap at one frame location)","Only two compliance requirements: inspect and conditionally modify","Limited applicability (specific serial number ranges, not all A320 family aircraft)","No nested definitions or extensive cross-referencing to other legislation","Clear, measurable standard (2.8mm gap threshold)","Simple conditional logic: if gap > 2.8mm, then modify","References only two external technical documents (Airbus AOT and SB)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is an **Airworthiness Directive** (a mandatory safety order) issued by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority for specific Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Requires airlines to inspect a specific structural problem at \"Frame 64\" — a part of the aircraft fuselage where passenger seats are attached\n- The problem: the gap at the seat track joints may be too large (exceeding 2.8mm), which could cause seats and equipment to break loose during an emergency landing\n- If the gap is too large, airlines must modify the aircraft according to Airbus's official repair instructions\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Owners and operators of specific Airbus aircraft with serial numbers listed in the directive (roughly the first 250+ aircraft produced)\n- Airlines flying these specific planes in Australia\n\n**Why it matters:**\n- Passenger safety — loose seats during a crash landing can cause serious injuries or block emergency evacuations\n- It's legally binding — operators must comply by the deadlines or ground the aircraft\n\n**Key deadlines:**\n- Inspection must be done before 31 July 1993\n- Any necessary modifications must be completed before 31 December 1995"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD's stated requirements (inspect specified serial-numbered aircraft, modify when gap > 2.8 mm, and meet the listed deadlines) are consistent with the document's expressed purpose to prevent seat or equipment release at frame 64. The text does not indicate any change from an earlier scope or a broadening/narrowing of applicability beyond what is listed in the Applicability section."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow technical focus limited to seat track joints at frame 64 (low scope breadth)","Dependence on external manufacturer documents (Airbus AOT 53-01 and SB A320-53-1088) for inspection and modification procedures","Single numeric threshold (gap > 2.8 mm) requires precise measurement and judgement","Multiple serial numbers listed increases operational administrative tracking","Recurring inspections required at each configuration change until modification (adds ongoing compliance burden)","Hard compliance deadlines (31 July 1993 and 31 December 1995) reduce discretionary flexibility"],"plain_english_summary":"This AD requires operators of specific Airbus A319/A320/A321 serial-numbered aircraft to inspect the seat-track joint at frame 64 and, if the measured gap exceeds 2.8 mm, carry out the modification called for by Airbus service instructions. Inspections were required by 31 July 1993 and affected aircraft must be modified by 31 December 1995; until modification, joints with excessive gaps must be rechecked at each configuration change. Costs and compliance rest with the listed operators."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-a320-30-seat-track-joints-at-frame-64","history":"/api/acts/ad-a320-30-seat-track-joints-at-frame-64/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-a320-30-seat-track-joints-at-frame-64/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-a320-30-seat-track-joints-at-frame-64/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-a320-30-seat-track-joints-at-frame-64/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-a320-30-seat-track-joints-at-frame-64/documents"}}