Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11740 · Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2002-06-01. Comply with the one in force.
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, certificated in any category, except those on which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1213, dated March 21, 2000 (reference Airbus Modification 28903 or 30044), has been accomplished.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the lock bolt for the pintle pin on the main landing gear (MLG), and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment requires additional follow-on actions for certain airplanes. This amendment also provides for optional terminating action for the requirements of this AD. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct a rotated, damaged, or missing lock bolt, which could result in disengagement of the pintle pin from the pintle fitting bearing, and consequent collapse of the MLG during landing.
To detect and correct a rotated, damaged, or missing lock bolt, which could result in disengagement of the pintle pin from the bearing, and consequent collapse of the main landing gear (MLG) during landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies (rotation, damage, and absence) of the lock bolt for the pintle pin on the MLG, in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 32-17, Revision 01, dated November 6, 1997, Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1187, dated June 17, 1998, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1187, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999, at the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD. If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, perform corrective actions, as applicable, in accordance with the AOT or service bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles or 15 months, whichever occurs first, unless the terminating action of paragraph (c) of this AD is accomplished. After the effective date of this AD, only Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1187, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999, shall be used for compliance with this paragraph.
(1) Within 30 months since the airplane's date of manufacture or prior to the accumulation of 2,000 total flight cycles, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 15 months or 1,000 flight cycles after the last gear replacement or accomplishment of Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-32-1119, dated June 13, 1994, whichever occurs first.
(3) Within 500 flight cycles after August 12, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-14-11, amendment 39-10644).
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(b) For airplanes on which the actions described in paragraph 2.B.(2)(c) of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1187, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999, have not been accomplished: At the time of the initial inspection or the next repetitive inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, perform the applicable one-time follow-on actions (including retorquing the forward pintle pin lock bolt and applying sealant to the head of the lock bolt), in accordance with section 2.B.(2)(c) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1187, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999.
(c) Modification of the lock bolts of the bolt for the pintle pin on the MLG in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1213, dated March 21, 2000, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
