AD NUMBER: 2019-18-04

PRODUCT: All 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.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-17-14, which applied to the aircraft listed above.

AD 2005-17-14 required repetitive tests to detect desynchronization of the rudder servo actuators, and adjustment or replacement of the spring rods of the rudder servo actuators, if necessary. AD 2005-17-14 also required repetitive tests/inspections/analyses of the rudder servo actuators, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary.

This AD retains some requirements of AD 2005-17-14 and revises the inspection procedures and compliance times, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.

This AD was prompted by reports of desynchronization of the rudder servo actuators.

DATES: This AD is effective October 30, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 133 airplanes of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

Required Actions:

• Retained actions from AD 2005-17-14: 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per airplane.
• New actions: 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 per airplane.

On-Condition Costs

• 34 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,890 per airplane.

FMI: AD