Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18021 · Landing gear
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes, Model A319 series airplanes, Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and Model A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a circumferential crack at the gland retaining-ring groove of certain retraction actuators on the main landing gear (MLG). This AD requires an inspection to identify the part numbers of MLG retraction actuators and replacement of certain MLG retraction actuators. We are issuing this AD to prevent MLG retraction actuator failure that could prevent the full extension and/or down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG collapse during landing or rollout, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants.
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Do an inspection of each MLG retraction actuator to determine whether the actuator has P/N 201590001, 201590002, 201590002-010, 201590002-020, or 201590003; and to determine the time-in-service accumulated on actuators having those part numbers. The actuator flight cycles and calendar time are those accumulated since first installation on an airplane, or since last actuator overhaul, or since the most recent accomplishment of the actions described in Task 321147-01-1 of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), whichever occurs latest. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance records is acceptable, provided that the actuator part number and time-in-service can be conclusively identified from that review.
At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Replace each MLG actuator having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD with a new or serviceable actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1408, dated July 22, 2013. The actuator flight cycles and calendar time specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD are those accumulated since first installation on an airplane, or since last actuator overhaul, or since doing the actions described in Task 321147-01-1 of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 MRBR; whichever occurs later.
(1) For actuators with accumulated time-in-service equal to or more than 20,000 flight cycles or 10 years as of the effective date of this AD: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For actuators with accumulated time-in-service less than 20,000 flight cycles and 10 years as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 10 years since first installation on an airplane.
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace each MLG retraction actuator having a part number specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, and for which the in-service history is unknown, with a new or serviceable actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1408, dated July 22, 2013.
An airplane that does not have Airbus Modification 26644 or Modification 150820 (for all airplane models), or Modification 27151 (for Model A321 series airplanes), applied in production, as applicable, is not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, provided that it can be conclusively determined that no MLG retraction actuator having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD has been installed on that airplane since first flight.
As of the effective date of this AD, installation of an MLG retraction actuator having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD is allowed, provided that the MLG retraction actuator has not accumulated or exceeded 20,000 flight cycles or 10 years since new; or 20,000 flight cycles or 10 years since last actuator overhaul.
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.
