Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the aft fixed fairing (AFF) of the pylons due to fatigue damage of the structure. This AD requires repetitive inspections for damage and cracking of the AFF of the pylons, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage and cracking of the AFF of the pylons, which could result in detachment of a pylon and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.