{"id":"F2006B01970","name":"AD/A320/81 - Connecting Angle Between Frame 56 and Frame Support at Stringer 38","slug":"ad-a320-81-connecting-angle-between-frame-56-and-frame-support-at-stringer-38","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":41192,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B01970-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/A320/81 - Connecting Angle Between Frame 56 and Frame Support at Stringer 38","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/A320/81 Connecting Angle Between Frame 56\n\nand Frame Support at Stringer 38\n\n  \n5/97\n\nApplicability: A320, all models and serial numbers without Airbus Industrie Mod 20941 embodied, or Airbus Industrie SB A320-53-1011 incorporated.\n\nRequirement: Inspect in accordance with A320-53-1084 Rev 1.\n\nNote: DGAC AD 96-237-090(B) refers.\n\nCompliance Before the accumulation of 20 000 flights; thereafter at intervals not exceeding 12 000 flights; unless cracking has been detected, in which case, in accordance with thresholds and intervals specified in the Requirement Document.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 24 April 1997.\n\nBackground: This Directive is raised in order to detect cracking in the subject connecting angle, which could affect the structural integrity of the aircraft.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD, as written, implements inspection requirements to detect cracking in the connecting angle between Frame 56 and the frame support at Stringer 38 and excludes aircraft with Mod 20941 or SB A320-53-1011. The stated Background (detect cracking that could affect structural integrity) matches the mechanical requirements (Applicability; Requirement; Compliance). The source provides no evidence that the AD’s scope has been altered from that stated intent."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-reference to an external technical document (A320-53-1084 Rev 1) for inspection method, thresholds and remedial intervals","Applicability carve-out based on whether Airbus Mod 20941 or SB A320-53-1011 is embodied/incorporated (requires record checks)","Compliance scheduling keyed to flight counts (initial <20,000 flights; recurring ≤12,000 flights)","Conditional escalation: if cracking is detected, follow different thresholds and intervals specified elsewhere (adds branching to compliance actions)","Delegation of technical detail to manufacturer document increases operational reliance on that document and on maintenance organisations' interpretation"],"plain_english_summary":"CASA mandates recurring inspections of a specific metal connecting angle at Frame 56/Stringer 38 on Airbus A319/A320/A321 to detect cracking that could threaten structural integrity. Inspections must follow Airbus A320-53-1084 Rev 1; apply to all A320s except those with Mod 20941 or SB A320-53-1011. First check is required before 20,000 flights, then at intervals not exceeding 12,000 flights. Operators/maintenance organisations must carry out and fund compliance."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a standard, narrow Airworthiness Directive focused on a specific structural inspection. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of addressing a known cracking issue in a specific aircraft component."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (under 200 words)","Only 1 defined term implicitly referenced (the 'Requirement Document' A320-53-1084 Rev 1)","Simple conditional logic: basic 'if-then' structure for cracking detection","No cross-references to other legislation beyond a single note about a French aviation authority directive (DGAC AD 96-237-090(B))","Single applicability test (two alternative exclusions: Mod 20941 or SB A320-53-1011)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is an **Airworthiness Directive (AD)** — essentially a mandatory safety notice issued by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that requires specific inspections on certain Airbus aircraft.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Requires airlines and aircraft operators to inspect a specific structural part — the \"connecting angle\" (a metal bracket) where Frame 56 meets the frame support at Stringer 38 on Airbus A320 family aircraft.\n- The inspection looks for **cracking** in this bracket, which could weaken the aircraft's structure.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Operators of **Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft** that have **not** had a specific Airbus modification (Mod 20941) or service bulletin (SB A320-53-1011) incorporated.\n\n**What must be done:**\n- **First inspection:** Must happen before the aircraft completes 20,000 flights.\n- **Repeat inspections:** Every 12,000 flights after that.\n- **If cracks are found:** Follow the repair/replacement schedules in the referenced Airbus document (A320-53-1084 Rev 1).\n\n**Why it matters:**\nCracking in this structural angle could compromise the aircraft's structural integrity — meaning the plane's frame could be weakened, potentially leading to serious safety issues. This AD ensures potential problems are caught before they become dangerous.\n\n**Key dates:**\n- Effective from 24 April 1997."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-a320-81-connecting-angle-between-frame-56-and-frame-support-at-stringer-38","history":"/api/acts/ad-a320-81-connecting-angle-between-frame-56-and-frame-support-at-stringer-38/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-a320-81-connecting-angle-between-frame-56-and-frame-support-at-stringer-38/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-a320-81-connecting-angle-between-frame-56-and-frame-support-at-stringer-38/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-a320-81-connecting-angle-between-frame-56-and-frame-support-at-stringer-38/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-a320-81-connecting-angle-between-frame-56-and-frame-support-at-stringer-38/documents"}}