Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus transport category airplanes, identified above. This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain lower pin (p-pin) of the retraction actuator of the main landing gear (MLG) is installed. If the affected p-pin is installed, this AD requires a one-time inspection of the p-pin for correct grease hole position and cracking; repetitive daily inspections for pin migration; and eventual replacement of all p- pins with new p-pins. For any p-pin that is cracked or shows pin migration, this AD requires immediate replacement with a new p-pin. Replacing the p-pin with one that is correctly manufactured (i.e., that has the correct grease hole position) is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report that a cracked p- pin was found when the MLG was removed for overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the p-pin, which could result in degradation of the MLG structural integrity and possible hazardous landing.