Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17000 · Landing gear
Airbus Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2014-23-08. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, if fitted with the nose landing gear (NLG) identified in table 1 of this AD.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
| Part No. | Serial No. |
|---|---|
| D23285200 | B2 |
| D23285101-7 | B58 |
| D23285101-10 | B75 |
| D23581100-1 | B124 |
| D23581100-1 | B159 |
| D23581100-7 | B386 |
| D23581100-7 | B398 |
| D23581100-7 | B400 |
| D23581100-7 | B403 |
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the main fitting and sliding tube of the nose landing gear (NLG) for defects, damage, and cracks, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of a cracked main fitting and sliding tube during overhaul of NLGs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, defects, or damage of the main fitting and sliding tube of the NLG, which could result in failure of the main fitting or sliding tube, and consequent NLG collapse.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube for any cracks, defects, and damage of the paint or surface protection, including paint removal and cracking of the surface treatment. Before further flight after doing the detailed inspection of the NLG, remove the labels, paint, surface protection coatings, and cadmium from the NLG main fitting; do a detailed inspection for any damage to the surface that will impair the magnetic particle inspection (MPI); and, if any defects are found, before further flight remove any defects by polishing. Do all actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).
Before further flight after doing the actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD: Do an MPI for cracking of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).
(1) If no crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, flap peen the inspected area where the paint and cadmium has been removed, and replace the protective coatings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).
(2) If any crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the damaged part with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).
Within 900 flight hours after accomplishing the actions in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the surface treatment of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube for any cracks, defects, and damage of the paint or surface protection, including paint removal and cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).
(1) If no crack, defect, or damage is detected during the detailed inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours.
(2) If any crack, defect, or damage is detected during the detailed inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Before further flight, inspect for damage to the label surface and around the labels for signs of sealant damage and moisture ingress behind labels; do a detailed inspection for any damage to the surface that will impair the MPI; and, if any defects are found, remove any defects by polishing, and do an MPI for cracking of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube. Do all actions specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).
(i) If no crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, flap peen the inspected area where the paint and cadmium has been removed, and replace the protective coatings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).
(ii) If any crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the damaged part with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes). Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours.
