Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
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.