Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18048 · Landing gear
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(3) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of early ruptures on the levers of the nose landing gear (NLG) sequence valve. This AD requires a one-time inspection for damage of the landing gear sequence valve levers and pin shearing indicating areas on the NLG and the main landing gears (MLGs); and depending on findings, replacing the sequence valve and lever, or doing a one-time inspection to detect interference between control rods and sequence valves and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct interference between a landing gear leg and door, which could result in failure of that landing gear to extend and could damage the airplane and injure occupants.
Do the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD in accordance with the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) For Model A300 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-0464, dated July 17, 2012.
(2) For Model A300-600 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-6110, dated July 17, 2012.
(3) For Model A310 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-32-2146, dated July 17, 2012.
Within 4,000 flight cycles, 6,000 flight hours, or 30 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed inspection of each sequence valve lever and pin shearing indicating area on the nose landing gear and main landing gears for any damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD. Do the actions required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) If damage is found, before further flight, replace the affected sequence valve and its lever with a serviceable sequence valve and lever. No further action is required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that replaced valve and lever.
(2) If no damage is found, within the compliance time required by paragraph (h) of this AD, do a detailed inspection to detect interference between the landing gear door control rod and the landing gear sequence valve, and do all applicable corrective actions. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. No further action is required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(3) For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane a landing gear sequence valve, unless that valve has been inspected and corrected, as applicable, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (h) 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.
