Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14301 · Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus transport category airplanes, identified above. This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain lower pin (p-pin) of the retraction actuator of the main landing gear (MLG) is installed. If the affected p-pin is installed, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the p-pin for correct grease hole position and cracking; repetitive daily inspections for pin migration; and eventual replacement of all p- pins with new p-pins. For any p-pin that is cracked or shows pin migration, this AD requires immediate replacement with a new p-pin. Replacing the p-pin with one that is correctly manufactured (i.e., that has the correct grease hole position) is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report that a cracked p- pin was found when the MLG was removed for overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the p-pin, which could result in degradation of the MLG structural integrity and possible hazardous landing.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
For the purposes of this AD, the term “AOT” (All Operators Telex) means the AOT identified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: AOT A330-32A3181, dated May 27, 2004.
(2) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: AOT A340-32A4224, dated May 27, 2004.
Note 1: The AOTs refer to Messier-Dowty Service bulletin A33/34-32-229, Revision 1, including Appendixes A and B, dated June 4, 2004, as an additional source of service information for inspecting the p-pins and for replacing them with a new pin having the same P/N or a new pin having a new P/N.
Within 100 flight cycles or 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier: Inspect the p-pins of the retraction actuator of the MLG to determine whether part number (P/N) 201275602 is installed. Do the inspection in accordance with the applicable AOT. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the P/N of the p-pin can be conclusively determined from that review. If a p-pin with a part number that is different than P/N 201275602 is installed, or if any P/N 201275602 p-pin has a batch number or serial number identified in Appendix A of Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin A33/34-32-229, Revision 1, dated June 4, 2004, no further action is required by this AD, except as provided by paragraph (l) of this AD.
If the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD shows that an affected P/N 201275602 is installed, before further flight after determining the P/N in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the p-pin and position of the grease holes, in accordance with the applicable AOT. If any incorrect grease hole position is found or if any crack is found, do the applicable actions in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD at the times specified in those paragraphs. If all grease hole positions are correct and no cracking is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
(i) If the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD shows that a p-pin has any incorrect grease hole position, but no cracking: Do the actions in paragraph (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the applicable AOT.
(1) Within 24 hours after the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the p-pin for pin migration, in accordance with the applicable AOT. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 24 hours until the replacement required by paragraph (i)(2) or (j) of this AD is accomplished.
(2) Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, within 800 flight hours after doing the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Replace the p-pin with a new p-pin of the same P/N 201275602 with correctly positioned grease holes, or with a new p-pin having new P/N 201478612, in accordance with the applicable AOT.
Note 3: 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.”
(j) If any inspection required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD shows a crack or pin migration, before further flight: Replace the p-pin with a new p-pin of the same P/N 201275602 with correctly positioned grease holes, or with a new p-pin having new P/N 201478612. Do all actions in accordance with the applicable AOT.
Although the AOTs reference a reporting requirement in paragraph 4.3, “Material—Tooling,” that reporting is not required by this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a p-pin, P/N 201275602, unless it has been inspected and any applicable additional inspections corrective actions have been done in accordance with this AD.
