Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18023 · Landing gear
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers, except for those airplanes that have had Airbus Modification 52980 incorporated in production on both main landing gear (MLG) units, or airplanes that have had Airbus Modification 54500 incorporated in production.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-16-01 for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes and Model A340- 200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2004-16-01 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the chromed area of the left and right piston rods for the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires repetitive draining of any fluid from the retraction actuator piston rod internal volume and sealing of the vent hole; repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the upper end of the piston rods, and corrective actions if necessary; a one-time ultrasonic inspection (longitudinal and circumferential) of the full length of the piston rod, and corrective actions if necessary; and a terminating modification of the left-hand and right-hand MLG retraction actuators. This AD was prompted by reports of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators rupturing during flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators, which could result in rupture of a piston rod, non-damped extension of the MLG, high loads on the fully extended MLG, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the MLG.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the visible chromed area of the MLG retraction actuator piston rods in the fully extended position, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8 days until the actions required by paragraphs (j) and (o) of this AD are accomplished.
(1) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods that have not had a detailed inspection accomplished as of the effective date of this AD, as described in any applicable service information specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having part number (P/N) 114256309 or P/N 114256321 issue 03: Do the inspection within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256326 issue 01 or P/N 114256321 issue 06: Do the inspection within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 72 months, whichever occurs later.
(2) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256309, P/N 114256321 issue 03, P/N 114256326 issue 01, or P/N 114256321 issue 06, that have had a detailed inspection accomplished as of the effective date of this AD, as described in the applicable service information specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD: Inspect within 8 days after the effective date of this AD.
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes:
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004;
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 02, dated May 11, 2005;
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 03, dated March 13, 2006;
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2006; or
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008.
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes:
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004;
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 02, dated May 11, 2005;
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 03, dated March 13, 2006;
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2006; or
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008.
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the MLG retraction actuator with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD: Drain any fluid from the retraction actuator piston rod internal volume and seal the vent hole, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Repeat the draining and sealing thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles or 24 months, whichever occurs first.
(1) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods that have not been inspected and have not had the fluid drained as of the effective date of this AD, as described in the applicable service information specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1)(i) or (j)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256309 or P/N 114256321 issue 03: Do the draining and sealing within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256326 issue 01 or P/N 114256321 issue 06: Do the draining and sealing within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 72 months, whichever occurs later.
(2) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256309, P/N 114256321 issue 03, P/N 114256326 issue 01, or P/N 114256321 issue 06, that have been inspected and the fluid drained as of the effective date of this AD, as described in the applicable service information specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD: Do the draining and sealing at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) and (j)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Within 1,000 flight cycles or 24 months, whichever occurs first, from the last inspection and fluid drainage accomplished in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.
(ii) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes:
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 02, dated May 11, 2005;
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 03, dated March 13, 2006;
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2006; or
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008.
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes:
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 02, dated May 11, 2005;
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 03, dated March 13, 2006;
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2006; or
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD: Do an ultrasonic longitudinal inspection for cracking of the retraction actuator piston rod end, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
(1) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods that have not had a non-destructive test (NDT) inspection as of the effective date of this AD, as described in the applicable service information specified in paragraph (m)(1) or (m)(2) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1)(i) or (l)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256309 or P/N 114256321 issue 03: Do the inspection within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256326 issue 01 or P/N 114256321 issue 06: Do the inspection within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 72 months, whichever occurs later.
(2) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256309, P/N 114256321 issue 03, P/N 114256326 issue 01, or P/N 114256321 issue 06, that have had an NDT inspection as of the effective date of this AD, as described in the applicable service information specified in paragraph (m)(1) or (m)(2) of this AD: Do the inspection at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (l)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Within 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months, whichever occurs first after the date of the last ultrasonic longitudinal inspection performed as described in the applicable service information specified in paragraph (m)(1) or (m)(2) of this AD.
(ii) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes:
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, dated December 17, 2003;
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004;
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 02, dated May 11, 2005;
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 03, dated March 13, 2006;
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2006; or
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008.
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes:
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, dated December 17, 2003;
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004;
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 02, dated May 11, 2005;
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 03, dated March 13, 2006;
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 04, dated June 12, 2006; or
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008.
(1) If the finding of the inspection required by paragraph (l) of this AD gives an indication of 75 percent or higher of full screen height (FSH) and between 5 and 7 in time base: Before further flight, replace the MLG retraction actuator with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
(2) If the finding of the inspection required by paragraph (l) of this AD gives an indication of less than 75 percent FSH and between 5 and 7 in time base: Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (l) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months, whichever occurs first.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (o)(1) or (o)(2) of this AD: Do a full-length ultrasonic longitudinal and a full-length circumferential inspection of the chromium-plated area of the piston rod for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
(1) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256309 or P/N 114256321 issue 03: Inspect at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (o)(1)(i) and (o)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Within 1,750 flight hours, 315 flight cycles, or 5 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(ii) Before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months.
(2) For MLG retraction actuator piston rods having P/N 114256326 issue 01 or P/N 114256321 issue 06: Inspect at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (o)(2)(i) and (o)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Within 1,750 flight hours, 315 flight cycles, or 5 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(ii) Before the MLG retraction actuator has been in service 72 months.
(1) If the finding of the full-length ultrasonic longitudinal inspection required by paragraph (o) of this AD gives an indication of 75 percent or higher FSH and between 5 and 7 in time base: Before further flight, replace the MLG retraction actuator with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
(2) If the finding of the full-length ultrasonic circumferential inspection required by paragraph (o) of this AD gives an indication of 75 percent or higher FSH and between 7 and 9.5 in time base: Before further flight, replace the MLG retraction actuator with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
Report the results (regardless of findings) of the detailed inspection, the fluid drain/seal of the retraction actuator piston rod, the one-time ultrasonic longitudinal inspection of the piston rod end, and the one-time full-length ultrasonic longitudinal and circumferential inspection required by this AD, and the findings of the actions required by this AD that cause an actuator to be replaced, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 05, dated September 26, 2008 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Submit the report to Airbus Customer Services Directorate, Attention: SEDCC1 Technical Data and Documentation Services fax: (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email: sb.reporting@airbus.com; or via your Airbus resident customer support office. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (q)(1) or (q)(2) of this AD.
(1) If the actions requiring reporting, as specified in paragraph (q) of this AD, are done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after those actions have been done.
(2) If the actions requiring reporting, as specified in paragraph (q) of this AD, were done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
Accomplishment of the initial drainage of the fluid from the piston, as required by paragraph (j) of this AD; and the full-length ultrasonic longitudinal inspection, and the full-length circumferential inspection, as required by paragraph (o) of this AD; constitutes terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD, provided no crack is found during the inspections.
Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the left-hand and right-hand MLG retraction actuators, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3180, Revision 05, dated January 27, 2014 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4222, Revision 04, dated July 30, 2013 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the modification required by this paragraph terminates the repetitive requirements of this AD for the MLG retraction actuator that is modified.
The re-identification of the MLG retraction actuator having P/N 114256002-055, which is described in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3180, Revision 05, dated January 27, 2014 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4222, Revision 04, dated July 30, 2013 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); is not required on airplanes that have Airbus modification 52980 embodied in production.
Installation of a retraction actuator piston rod having P/N 114256323, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3174, Revision 02, dated September 16, 2005 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4213, Revision 01, dated September 16, 2005 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); is an acceptable method of compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (g), (j), (l), and (o) of this AD for that installed MLG retraction actuator.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a piston rod having P/N 114256309, P/N 114256321, or P/N 114256326 issue 01 for the MLG retraction actuator on any airplane, unless the part meets the applicable requirements of this AD at the specified times and intervals.
