AD FAA-2018-0077

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of battery retaining rod failures due to quality defects of the material used during parts manufacturing. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the battery support assemblies to identify the battery retaining rod manufacturer, replacement of the battery retaining rods with serviceable battery retaining rods if necessary, and the addition of the applicable service information label on each battery retaining rod if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.