AD 2017-16-12

final rule
Data completeness: 70%

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AD Number
2017-16-12
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Docket No. FAA-2016-9518
FR Citation
82 FR 40675

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Airbus A318 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Unsafe Condition

Blockage of two Angle of Attack (AOA) probes during climb leading to activation of the Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot) while the Mach number increases, resulting in a continuous nose-down pitch rate that cannot be stopped with backward sidestick inputs, even in the full backward position. This could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Replace certain AOA sensors. Perform a detailed inspection and a functional heating test for discrepancies on certain AOA sensors, and replace the affected AOA sensors.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Within 12 months of the effective date of October 2, 2017.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

All Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes equipped with certain UTC Aerospace (UTAS) AOA sensors, or certain SEXTANT/THOMSON AOA sensors, or Thales AOA sensors Part Number (P/N) C16291AB.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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