Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14081 · Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 30648 has been installed.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the left- and right-side main landing gear (MLG) side-stay cuff lugs and down-lock spring attachments for evidence of cracked or fractured side-stay cuff lugs or down-lock spring attachments, and repair if necessary. This AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the MLG side-stay cuff lugs or down-lock spring attachments, which could result in improper down-lock of the MLG during a freefall extension, and possible collapse of the MLG. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent failure of the MLG side-stay cuff lugs or down-lock spring attachments, which could result in improper down-lock of the MLG during a freefall extension, and possible collapse of the MLG, accomplish the following:
(a) Do a general visual inspection of the left- and right-side main landing gear (MLG) side-stay cuff lugs and down-lock spring attachments to detect failures (cracked or fractured lugs), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1224, Revision 01, dated June 11, 2002, at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
(1) Within 60 months from the first entry into service of the MLG, or before the accumulation of 9,000 total flight hours on the MLG, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 500 flight hours on the MLG after the effective date of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
(b) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, no crack or fracture is detected: Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours until the actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD are accomplished.
(c) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, any crack or fracture is detected: Before further flight, replace any discrepant part with a new part of the same type in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1224, Revision 01, dated June 11, 2002. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours until the actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD are accomplished.
(d) Inspections and part replacements accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1224, dated January 18, 2001, are considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this AD.
(e) Compliance with task number 321119-01-1, “Mechanism Visual Check of Main Landing Gear Downlocking Springs and Side-stay Center Joint Links and Cuff,” in Revision 25, dated October 2001; or Revision 26a, dated July 31, 2003; of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Maintenance Planning Document; is considered acceptable for compliance with the inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Operators should note that this task requires repetitive inspections at 8-day intervals, instead of intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours.
(f) Replacement of the MLG side-stay lugs and links on the left and right sides of the airplane, with lugs and links made of new, improved material, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1223, dated March 5, 2001; or Revision 01, dated June 11, 2002; terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD.
(g) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
(h) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1224, Revision 01, dated June 11, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of this service information, go to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2002-075(B), dated January 23, 2002.
