Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -115, and -131 airplanes, and Model A320-214 and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of the fracture of a main landing gear (MLG) sliding tube axle, and an investigation that determined the cause to be an incorrect repair. This AD requires a repetitive magnetic particle inspection (MPI) of affected MLG sliding tubes for discrepancies; a one-time Barkhausen noise inspection (BNI) or alternative non-destructive test (NDT) inspection, and a detailed visual inspection of affected MLG sliding tube axles for discrepancies; and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. Accomplishing the BNI and applicable corrective actions, or replacing the affected parts, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive MPI. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.