{"id":"F2006B01929","name":"AD/A320/39 - Aileron Support Frames","slug":"ad-a320-39-aileron-support-frames","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":41151,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B01929-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/A320/39 - Aileron Support Frames","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/A320/39 Aileron Support Frames 9/94\n\nApplicability: A320 series aircraft, serial numbers 5 to 43 inclusive.\n\nRequirement: 1. Replace the Numbers 1, 2, and 3 aileron support frames, on the wing rear spar, with reinforced aileron support frames in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin (AISB) A320-57-1002.\n\n2. Replace the hydraulic line clamps and electrical cable raceways in this area with re-designed parts in accordance with AISB A320-57-1002.\n\nNote: DGAC AD 93-108-044(B) refers.\n\nCompliance: Replace all components before the aircraft has reached 14000 flights.\n\nThis AD is effective from 18 August 1994.\n\nBackground: The aileron support frame at the Number 3 hinge suffered a fatigue failure during the Airbus A320 full scale fatigue test. Failure of the aileron support frames could result in a reduction or loss of aircraft control.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive’s scope matches the problem described in the background: it targets the A320 airframes that are the subject of the fatigue-test failure (Applicability; Background) and prescribes a single remedial action set (Requirement 1 & 2) to be completed by a fixed compliance point (Compliance). There is no text in the instrument indicating a change from that original, stated remedial intent."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow applicability: applies only to A320 serial numbers 5–43 (Applicability).","Single, well-defined set of technical actions: replace three support frames and replace clamps/raceways per a single service bulletin (Requirement 1 & 2).","Clear compliance trigger and deadline: completion before 14,000 flights (Compliance).","Prescriptive reference to a single manufacturer service bulletin, reducing interpretive ambiguity but channeling compliance to that specification (Requirement 1 & 2).","No conditional exemptions, alternative methods, or complex administrative procedures stated in the text (Requirement; Compliance)."],"plain_english_summary":"Operators of Airbus A320s serial nos. 5–43 must, before each aeroplane reaches 14,000 flights, install reinforced aileron support frames and redesigned hydraulic-clamp/electrical-raceway parts per Airbus Service Bulletin A320‑57‑1002. Issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority after fatigue testing found a Number‑3 frame failure, the AD aims to reduce risk of control loss; owners/operators bear compliance costs and scheduling."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, single-issue safety directive focused specifically on aileron support frame failures in early-production A320 aircraft. It has not expanded beyond its original technical scope."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (under 200 words)","Only 4 defined elements: applicability (specific serial numbers), requirement (two replacement tasks), compliance deadline, and effective date","No cross-references to other legislation or regulations beyond a single note referencing a French aviation authority document","Simple conditional logic: single applicability criterion (serial numbers 5-43) and single compliance trigger (14,000 flights)","No nested exceptions or subordinate provisions"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this is:** This is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) — essentially a mandatory safety order issued by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Think of it as a recall notice for aircraft, but legally binding.\n\n**What it requires:** Owners and operators of specific Airbus A320 aircraft (serial numbers 5 through 43) must replace three aileron support frames on the wing with stronger, reinforced versions. They must also swap out nearby hydraulic line clamps and electrical cable raceways for redesigned parts.\n\n**Why it matters:** During fatigue testing, one of these support frames cracked and broke. If this happened in flight, the pilot could lose control of the ailerons — the wing flaps that help steer the plane. This directive prevents potential crashes by forcing repairs before the aircraft completes 14,000 flights.\n\n**Who must comply:** Anyone operating affected A320 aircraft in Australia. The work must follow specific Airbus technical instructions (Service Bulletin A320-57-1002) and be completed before the flight limit is reached.\n\n**Key deadline:** The rule took effect on 18 August 1994, with compliance required before 14,000 flights."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-a320-39-aileron-support-frames","history":"/api/acts/ad-a320-39-aileron-support-frames/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-a320-39-aileron-support-frames/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-a320-39-aileron-support-frames/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-a320-39-aileron-support-frames/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-a320-39-aileron-support-frames/documents"}}