AD FAA-2015-3635

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320-211, - 212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain structural repair manual (SRM) inspection requirements for the fuselage skin repairs are insufficient to detect cracks. This AD requires an inspection to determine whether any fuselage external skin (doubler) repairs have been accomplished, an inspection for cracking of certain repaired external fuselage skin areas in the fuselage, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.