AD 2021-11-18 Continues To Require The Actions Required By AD 2019-03-10

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-10, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; and 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).

AD 2019-03-10 required repetitive detailed visual inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) leg components and replacement of the MLG leg if cracked components are found. This AD continues to require the actions required by AD 2019-03-10. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires modification of the MLG hinge arm by installing improved MLG hinge arm/barrel pins; an out-of-roundness check of removed pins; repetitive inspections of any affected pins and the associated connecting rod bushes, and replacement of the MLG leg if cracked components are found; and installation of an improved spacer; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in MLG leg components and a determination that additional actions (including inspections, modifications, and checks) are needed to address the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 16, 2021.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0145, dated July 1, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0145) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Model A300-600 series airplanes; and Model A300F4-608ST airplanes. EASA AD 2020-0145 supersedes EASA AD 2018-0170, dated August 6, 2018 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2019-03-10, Amendment 39-19562 (84 FR 5595, February 22, 2019) (AD 2019-03-10)). Model A300F4-608ST airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-03-10. AD 2019-03-10 applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2020 (85 FR 78971). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in MLG leg components, and a determination that additional actions (including inspections, modifications, and out-of-roundness checks) are needed to address the unsafe condition. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions required by AD 2019-03-10. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires modification of the MLG hinge arm by installing improved MLG hinge arm/barrel pins; an out-of-roundness check of removed pins; repetitive inspections of any affected pins and the associated connecting rod bushes, and replacement of the MLG leg if cracked components are found; and installation of an improved spacer; as specified in an EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of certain components in the MLG leg, which could result in an MLG collapse, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the airplane occupants. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov