A-01-028
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
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
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to issue an airworthiness directive requiring operators of certain overwater-equipped Airbus A319, A320, and A321 airplanes with machine-chamfered girt bars to, by the next scheduled maintenance, verify that the trigger locking mechanism and girt bar dimensions meet design specifications, perform a functional test to confirm proper engagement under realistic door opening conditions, and repair or replace any nonconforming bars before returning the airplanes to service.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Alternate Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jan 3, 2002 |
| NTSB number | CHI01FA104 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).