AD 2004-16-01 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330, A340-200, A340-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a piston rod, part number (P/N) 114256309 or 114256321, for the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Repetitive Detailed Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) Before each MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months, or within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the chromed area of the left and right piston rod of the MLG retraction actuators. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004; as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7 days. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” (g) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the MLG retraction actuator with a new or serviceable part in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004; as applicable. Related Investigative and Corrective Actions (h) If no cracking is found during the initial detailed inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do an ultrasonic inspection for corrosion pitting or cracking of the inner surface of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators. Do the ultrasonic inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32-4212, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated June 16, 2004; as applicable. Any corrective action must be done at the times specified in Figure 2 of the applicable service bulletin. (1) Before each MLG retraction actuator has been in service 36 months. (2) Within 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first. Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3173, Revision 01; and A340-32-4212, Revision 01; reference Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin A33/34-32-222, including Appendices A and B, dated December 6, 2003, as an additional source of service information for doing the detailed and ultrasonic inspections. (i) Repeat the ultrasonic inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,400 flight hours, 250 flight cycles, or 4 months after the most recent ultrasonic inspection, whichever is first. Reporting Requirement (j) Submit a report of the results (both positive and negative) for any ultrasonic inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, and only negative findings for any detailed inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Submit the report to Airbus Customer Services Directorate, Attention: SDC32 Technical Data and Documentation Services, fax +33+ 5 61 93 28 06, or via your resident customer support office. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the period of time the affected piston rod has been in service. 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 before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. Parts Installation (k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a piston rod, part number (P/N) 114256309 or 114256321, for the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators, on any airplane, unless the part has been inspected in accordance with paragraphs (f) and (h) of this AD and found free of cracking. Ultrasonic Inspections Done Per Airbus All Operator's Telex (AOT) (l) Ultrasonic inspections done in accordance with Airbus AOT A330-32A3172 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-32A4211 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated May 22, 2003; are acceptable for compliance with the initial ultrasonic inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (m) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (n) French airworthiness directives F-2004-086 and F-2004-087, both dated June 23, 2004, also address the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (o) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3173, Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4212, Revision 01, dated June 16, 2004; as applicable; to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the documents contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. You can review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 23, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-17623 Filed 8-3-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators rupturing during flight. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion pitting and cracking of the piston rods for the MLG retraction actuators, which could result in rupture of a piston rod, non-damped extension of the MLG, high loads on the fully extended MLG, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the MLG.