EASA AD No.: 2014-0266-E

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EASA EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AD No.: 2014-0266-E

Date: 09 December 2014

Note: This Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance 

with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States 

and of the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of 

that Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EU 748/2012, Part 21.A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an 

aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD, unless otherwise specified by the Agency [EC 

2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption].

Design Approval Holder’s Name:

AIRBUS

Type/Model designation(s):

A318, A319, A320 and A321 aeroplanes

TCDS Number: EASA.A.064

Foreign AD: Not applicable

Supersedure: None

ATA Airplane Flight Manual – Undue Activation of Alpha Protection –

Emergency Procedure

Manufacturer(s): Airbus (formerly Airbus Industrie)

Applicability: Airbus A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, 

A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-211, 

A320-212, A320-214, A320-215, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, 

A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231 

and A321-232 aeroplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers

Reason: An occurrence was reported where an Airbus A321 aeroplane encountered a 

blockage of two Angle Of Attack (AOA) probes during climb, leading to 

activation of the Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot) while the Mach number 

increased. The flight crew managed to regain full control and the flight landed 

uneventfully.

When Alpha Prot is activated due to blocked AOA probes, the flight control laws 

order a continuous nose down pitch rate that, in a worst case scenario, cannot 

be stopped with backward sidestick inputs, even in the full backward position. If 

the Mach number increases during a nose down order, the AOA value of the 

Alpha Prot will continue to decrease. As a result, the flight control laws will 

continue to order a nose down pitch rate, even if the speed is above minimum 

selectable speed, known as VLS. 

This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the aeroplane.

To address this unsafe condition, Airbus have developed a specific Aircraft 

Flight Manual (AFM) procedure, which has been published in AFM Temporary 

Revision (TR) N° 502.

For the reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of the 

applicable AFM.
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This is considered to be an interim action and further AD action may follow.

Effective Date: 11 December 2014

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance

Time(s):

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

(1) Before next flight after the effective date of this AD, amend the applicable 

AFM by inserting a copy of Airbus AFM A320 TR 502 “Abnormal V alpha 

Prot”, issue 1.

Alternatively, amending the applicable AFM can be accomplished by 

inserting of a copy of Appendix 1 of this AD into the Section Emergency 

Procedures.

(2) Concurrent with the AFM amendment as required by paragraph (1) of this 

AD, inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane 

accordingly.

Ref. Publications: Airbus AFM A320 TR 502 issue 1, EASA approved 05 December 2014. 

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD.

Remarks: 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD.

2. The results of the safety assessment have indicated the need for 

immediate publication and notification, without the full public consultation 

process.

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Certification Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu.

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in 

this AD, please contact: AIRBUS – Airworthiness Office – EIAS;

Fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; E-mail: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com.
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Appendix 1 – AFM Procedure