Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16451 · Landing gear
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A300 and A310 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B4-2C, B2K-3C, B4-103, B2-203, and B4-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; all certified models, all serial numbers, certificated in any category; except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 13212 has been done in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-0453, A310-32-2135, or A300-32-6099 has been done in service.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: * * * * * Two cases of complete nose landing gear (NLG) shock absorber bolts failure were reported to the manufacturer. In both cases, the crew was unable to retract the gear and was forced to an In Flight Turn Back. In one case, the aircraft experienced a low speed runway excursion. The root cause of the bolts failure has been identified being due to a bolt(s) over-torque. The investigation has highlighted that the design of the NLG shock absorber was not tolerant to the over-torque, and an inspection plan has been developed to track any NLG shock absorber-to-main barrel attachment bolts status. * * * * * * * * We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Do a visual inspection to detect operational condition (i.e., free of corrosion and not deformed) and inspect rotation/torque of the NLG shock absorber-to-main barrel attachment bolts and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the applicable Airbus all operators telex (AOT) identified in Table 1 of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at the applicable intervals, depending on inspection results and the corrective actions performed, as specified in the applicable Airbus AOT identified in Table 1 of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which the NLG has been overhauled (the bolts have been removed) as of the effective date of this AD: Within 30 days or 1,000 flight cycles on the NLG after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For airplanes on which, as of the effective date of this AD, the NLG has accumulated less than 1,000 total flight cycles, and has not been overhauled (the bolts have never been removed), since manufacture of the NLG: Before the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles on the NLG, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(3) For airplanes on which, as of the effective date of this AD, the NLG has accumulated 1,000 or more total flight cycles, and has not been overhauled since new (the bolts have never been removed): Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
| For model— | Use airbus all operator telex— | Dated— |
|---|---|---|
| A300 series airplanes | A300-32A0447 | April 22, 2004. |
| A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (Collectively called A300-600 series airplanes) | A300-32A6093 | April 22, 2004. |
| A310 series airplanes | A310-32A2132 | April 22, 2004. |
At the latest of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD, do an inspection of the torque load of the nuts of the NLG shock absorber-to-main barrel attachment bolts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Airbus service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD. Depending on the torque load value found during the inspection, before further flight: Retighten the bolt(s) or replace the discrepant bolt(s), or replace all bolts, in accordance with the applicable Airbus service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the torque load inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,200 flight cycles or 30 months time-in-service accumulated by the NLG, whichever occurs first.
(1) Within 3,200 flight cycles or 30 months since NLG's first flight, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 3,200 flight cycles or 30 months accumulated by the NLG since installation of new bolts, whichever occurs first.
(3) Within 3,200 flight cycles or 30 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
| For model— | Use airbus mandatory service bulletin— | Revision level— | Dated— |
|---|---|---|---|
| A300 series airplanes | A300-32-0447 | 01 | June 1, 2007. |
| A300-600 series airplanes | A300-32-6093 | 01 | June 1, 2007. |
| A310 series airplanes | A310-32-2132 | 01 | June 1, 2007. |
(i) After accomplishment of the initial inspection in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD, as applicable, the repetitive inspections of paragraph (g) of this AD are no longer required.
For airplanes on which the modification of the shock absorber-to-barrel attachment has been done in accordance with the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 3 of this AD, the requirements of this AD are no longer required, as long as that modification remains installed.
| For model— | Use airbus service bulletin— | Dated— |
|---|---|---|
| A300 series airplanes | A300-32-0453 | June 1, 2007. |
| A300-600 series airplanes | A300-32-6099 | June 1, 2007. |
| A310 series airplanes | A310-32-2135 | June 1, 2007. |
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No Differences.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
