Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22051 · Wings
Airbus SAS Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2025-01-07. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any category, without Airbus modification 11912 and identified in figure 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes, 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). This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lower flange. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection (DET) of the affected area, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0190, dated August 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0190).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0190 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0190 specifies to “accomplish those instructions accordingly” if any crack is detected, for this AD if any crack is detected, the crack must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0190 does not apply to this AD.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
(i) The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) Airbus Statement of Airworthiness Compliance (ASAC) 80955386/006/2021, Issue 1, dated August 25, 2021, and ASAC 80955386/024/2022, Issue 1, dated February 25, 2022, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD for the airplanes identified in those ASACs only.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0190 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the instructions identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
