Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-18- 12, for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. AD 2012-18-12 currently requires modifying the off-wing escape slide (OWS) enclosures on the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side of the fuselage. Since we issued AD 2012-18-12, we have received reports that additional OWS part numbers have been affected. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2012-18-12 and expand the applicability to all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent off-wing exits on the LH and RH sides of the fuselage from becoming inoperative, which, during an emergency, could impair the safe evacuation of occupants, possibly resulting in personal injuries.