Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19570 · Landing gear
Airbus SAS Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2020-26-01. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319- 111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks that were found after improperly performed magnetic particle inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes were done. This AD requires repetitive general visual inspections of the affected MLG sliding tubes for cracks and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
For the purposes of this AD, the definitions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD apply.
(1) An affected part is any MLG sliding tube, having a part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, that has been last overhauled between October 27, 2003, and September 21, 2009, inclusive.
(2) Group 1 airplanes are those that have an affected part installed. Group 2 airplanes are those that do not have an affected part installed.
For Group 1 airplanes: Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, and, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles, accomplish a general visual inspection for cracks of each affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 2018.
If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 2018.
Accomplishment of an overhaul of an affected part after September 21, 2009, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive general visual inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that affected part.
Submit a report of findings (both positive and negative) of the inspections specified in paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 2018, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD. If operators have reported findings as part of obtaining any corrective actions approved by Airbus SAS's European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Design Organization Approval (DOA), operators are not required to report those findings as specified in this paragraph.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
An airplane embodying Airbus Modification 161202 (Evolution (EV) MLG) is not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, provided it is determined that no affected parts are installed on that airplane. A review of airplane delivery and/or maintenance records is acceptable to make this determination, provided those records can be relied upon for that purpose and the part number and serial number of the MLG sliding tube can be positively identified from that review.
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD, it is allowed to install on any airplane an affected part, or an MLG equipped with an affected part, provided that, within the last 500 flight cycles before installation, the part passed an inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, and that, following installation, the part is inspected as required by this AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD, do not install on any airplane an affected part.
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.
