Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23146 · Doors
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this AD, certified in any category, manufactured in freighter model configuration, or modified in accordance with supplemental type certificate (STC) ST00177LA-D, STC ST00178LA-D, STC ST01431NY, or STC ST00100NY.
(1) Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(5) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(6) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes.
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); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by investigations that found cracks on the main deck cargo door (MDCD) actuator bearing fitting caused by fatigue. This AD requires an operational limitation to the MDCD opening angle, repetitive detailed visual inspection (DET) of the MDCD actuator bearing fittings, and replacement if any cracks are found. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0092R1, dated July 10, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0092R1).
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0092R1 refers to April 26, 2024 (the effective date of the original issue of EASA AD 2024-0092R1), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0092R1.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0092R1 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to: 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.
(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, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 (j)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0092R1 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.
For more information about this AD, contact Joshua Y. Baek, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-6725; email: joshua.y.baek@faa.gov.
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.
