Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16832 · Landing gear
Airbus Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator having part number (P/N) C23129 fitted with sliding rod P/N C69029-2 or C69029-3.
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to 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:
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 paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD: Remove the MLG retraction actuator having P/N C23129 and do a detailed and high frequency eddy current inspection for defects that exceed the criteria defined in Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service Bulletin 470-32-806, dated October 27, 2005, of the retraction actuator sliding rods having P/N C69029-2 or C69029-3, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-0450, Revision 02, dated July 28, 2009.
(1) For airplanes on which the retraction actuator sliding rod has accumulated 12,000 or fewer total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles on the retraction actuator sliding rod.
(ii) Within 2,000 flight cycles or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(2) For airplanes on which the retraction actuator sliding rod has accumulated more than 12,000 total flight cycles, and 22,000 or fewer total flight cycles, as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect at the earliest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Before the accumulation of 23,000 total flight cycles on the retraction actuator sliding rod.
(ii) Within 2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(iii) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For airplanes on which the retraction actuator sliding rod has accumulated more than 22,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 1,000 flight cycles or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(h) Thereafter, repeat the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight cycles.
(i) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, any defect is detected that exceeds the criteria defined in Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service Bulletin 470-32-806, dated October 27, 2005, before further flight, replace the affected sliding rod with a serviceable unit in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-0450, Revision 02, dated July 28, 2009.
(j) Before the accumulation of 32,000 flight cycles on any retraction actuator sliding rod, it must be replaced with a serviceable unit in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-0450, Revision 02, dated July 28, 2009. Parts removed from an airplane as required by this paragraph must be returned to Messier-Dowty within 30 days after removing the part from the airplane.
(k) As of the effective date of this AD, any MLG retraction actuator sliding rod having P/N C69029-2 or C69029-3 that has accumulated less than 32,000 total flight cycles, may be installed on any airplane, provided that the inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD are accomplished at the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD and all applicable replacements required by paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD are done.
Within 1,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Clean and lubricate the MLG assembly, in accordance with Task 321112-0505-1 “Main Landing Gear Assy,” of Section 2-32, “Systems and Powerplant Program: Landing Gear,” of the Airbus A300 Maintenance Planning Document, Revision 30, dated April 1, 2010. Repeat the cleaning and lubrication thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight hours.
Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-0450, dated December 1, 2005; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-32-0450, Revision 01, dated May 10, 2006; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.
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.
