AD 2004-07-02 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

Models named: A318, A319, A320, A321 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct cracking in a main landing gear (MLG) sliding tube, which could result in failure of the sliding tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Part Number Identification, Detailed Inspection, and Corrective Action (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a one-time general visual inspection to determine the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of both MLG sliding tubes, per Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004. (1) If both the P/N and S/N of any MLG sliding tube are not listed in the AOT: No further action is required by this paragraph for that MLG sliding tube. (2) If both the P/N and S/N of any MLG sliding tube are listed in the AOT: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of the MLG sliding tube for cracking, per the AOT. (i) If no cracking is found in any MLG sliding tube: Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 days. (ii) If any cracking is found in any MLG sliding tube: Before further flight, replace the part with a new or serviceable part per a method approved by either the FAA or the Direction Ge ne rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent). Chapter 32 of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual is one approved method. Installation of a MLG sliding tube that does not have both a P/N and a S/N listed in Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004, is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD for that MLG sliding tube only. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Submission of Cracked Parts Not Required (b) The AOT specifies to send any cracked part to Messier-Dowty. This AD does not include such a requirement. Reporting Requirement (c) Submit a report of any positive findings of cracking found during any detailed inspection required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical Support, Attention: M.Y. Quimiou, SEE33, fax +33+ (0) 5.6193.32.73, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD. The report must include the MLG P/N and S/N, date of inspection, a description of any cracking found, the airplane serial number, and the number of flight cycles on the MLG at the time of inspection. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) If the inspection is done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection was done prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. Parts Installation (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a MLG sliding tube having both a P/N and S/N specified in Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004, on any airplane, unless the part has been inspected, and any applicable correction accomplished, per paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004. (The manufacturer, date, and document number of the All Operators Telex only appear on page 1 of the document.) This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive F-2004-022, dated February 18, 2004. (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 14, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-6775 Filed 3-29-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P