Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-17- 14, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; 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); and Model A310 series airplanes. AD 2005-17-14 required repetitive tests to detect desynchronization of the rudder servo actuators, and adjustment or replacement of the spring rods of the rudder servo actuators, if necessary. AD 2005-17-14 also required repetitive tests/inspections/analyses of the rudder servo actuators, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD retains some requirements of AD 2005-17-14 and revises the inspection procedures and compliance times, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by reports of desynchronization of the rudder servo actuators. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.