AD 2012-19-07 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Models named: A340-541, -642. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers; weight variant (WV) 000, WV001, WV002, WV003, and WV004.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

(1) At the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the drag stay lower arm assembly having part number (P/N) 30-1018002-01 of the NLG at the interface between the arm and the spherical bearing races for corrosion traces, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5099, dated September 23, 2010. Table 1 to Paragraph ( g ) of This AD—Compliance Time Age of NLG drag stay lower arm assembly as of the effective date of this AD since its first installation on any airplane, or since last NLG overhaul, or last P/N 30-1018002-01 replacement, whichever occurs latest Compliance time since first installation of the NLG drag stay lower arm assembly on any airplane, or since last NLG overhaul, or since last P/N 30-1018002-01 replacement, whichever occurs latest Less than 36 months Before the accumulation of 45 months. 36 months or more, but less than 45 months Before the accumulation of 52 months, or within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. 45 months or more, but less than 60 months Before the accumulation of 65 months, or within 7 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. 60 months or more, but less than 72 months Before the accumulation of 75 months, or within 5 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. 72 months or more, but less than 84 months Before the accumulation of 85 months, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. 84 months or more Within 1 month after the effective date of this AD. (2) If no corrosion traces are found during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months. (3) If any corrosion traces are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(4) of this AD: At the applicable time after the inspection specified in table 2 to paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, replace the NLG drag stay lower arm assembly with a new or serviceable assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5099, dated September 23, 2010. Table 2 to Paragraph ( g )(3) of This AD—Replacement Compliance Time As of the date of accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Age of NLG drag stay lower arm assembly, since its first installation on any airplane, or since last NLG overhaul, or last P/N 30-1018002-01 replacement— Then, after the inspection, replace— More than 85 months and on which no inspection has been performed during the last 6 months Within 5 flight cycles. 65 months or more but 85 months or less, and on which no inspection has been performed during the last 6 months Within 1 month. More than 64 months and on which an inspection has been performed during the last 6 months Within 3 months. Less than 65 months Within 3 months. (4) Within 45 months after each replacement of the NLG drag stay lower arm assembly: Perform the initial inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-5099, dated September 23, 2010. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months.

This AD was prompted by findings of corrosion and rust traces in the lugs and on the bearing outer surface of the nose landing gear (NLG) during routine maintenance checks. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the drag stay lower arm, which could result in NLG collapse and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane during takeoff.

None.