Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17300 · Landing gear
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-223F, A330-243, A330-243F, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN).
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and A340-313 airplanes, all MSN.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 series airplanes, and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight turn back after the nose landing gear (NLG) did not retract after take-off. This AD requires repetitive overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the retraction actuator, which could cause collapse of the NLG after touchdown and possible injury to flightcrew and passengers.
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 compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do an overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3255, dated October 13, 2011 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4291, dated October 13, 2011 (for Model A340 series airplanes). Repeat the overhaul thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 years.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 10 years since the NLG retraction actuator's first flight on an airplane, or from its first flight following its last overhaul.
(2) At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) If, on the effective date of this AD, the NLG retraction actuator has accumulated more than 8 years, and less than 14 years, from its first flight on an airplane: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, or prior to the accumulation of 15 years since the NLG retraction actuator's first flight on an airplane, whichever occurs first.
(ii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the NLG retraction actuator has accumulated 14 years or more since its first flight on an airplane: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on an airplane any NLG retraction actuator, unless it has been overhauled in accordance with the requirements of this AD.
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.
