Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time general visual inspection to determine the part number and serial number of both main landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This amendment adds an additional inspection to determine only the serial number of the MLG sliding tubes. This AD is prompted by a report that the field of MLG sliding tubes subject to the identified unsafe condition has expanded. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in an MLG sliding tube, which could result in failure of the sliding tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.