AD NUMBER: 2014-23-08

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-06-19 for the products listed above.

AD 2012-06-19 required repetitive inspections of the main fitting and sliding tube of the nose landing gear (NLG) for defects, damage, and cracks; and corrective actions if necessary.

This new AD requires an inspection of the part number and serial number of the NLG main fitting and NLG sliding tube; for affected parts, this new AD requires a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) for cracks, and flap peening and replacement if necessary. This new AD also requires, for certain parts, additional inspections for damage and cracking. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of a cracked main fitting and sliding tube during NLG overhaul.

The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, defects, or damage of the main fitting or sliding tube, which could result in consequent NLG collapse.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 31, 2014.

FMI: AD