AD 2017-13-12 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Models named: A318-111, -112, -121, -122, A319-111, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers. (1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes. (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes. (3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. (4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

Within 120 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the action specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Modify each MLG side stay assembly having a part number listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1429, Revision 01, dated February 29, 2016, and the service information specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. The modification may be done “off wing,” provided the modified MLG is reinstalled on the airplane. (i) For Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-315, dated April 24, 2015. (ii) For Model A321 series airplanes: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 201-32-63, dated April 24, 2015. (2) Replace the MLG side stay assembly with a side stay assembly that has been modified in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Do the replacement using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Additional guidance for the replacement can be found in Chapter 32 of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual. Figure 1 to Paragraphs ( g ), ( h ), and ( i ) of This AD—Affected MLG Side Stay Assemblies Models Affected part Nos. (P/N) Strike No. not cancelled A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes 201166001-xxx  1 12 A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and 201166002-xxx  1 12 A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes 201166003-xxx  1 12   201166004-xxx  1 12   201166005-xxx  1 12   201166006-xxx  1 12   201166007-xxx  1 12   201166008-xxx  1 12   201166009-xxx  1 12   201166010-xxx  1 12   201166011-xxx  1 12   201166012-xxx  1 12   201166013-000 through 201166013-030 inclusive  2 12   201166014-000 through 201166014-030 inclusive  2 12 A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes 201390001-000 through 201390001-040 inclusive  2 201390002-000 through 201390002-040 inclusive  2 15 15   201527001-000 through 201527001-025 inclusive  2 201527002-000 through 201527002-025 inclusive  2 15 15 A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes 201524001-000 through 201524001-035 inclusive  2 201524002-000 through 201524002-035 inclusive  2 15 15   201660001-000 through 201660001-030 inclusive  2 201660002-000 through 201660002-030 inclusive  2 15 15 1  The `xxx' used in this figure can be any 3-digit combination. 2  Units having a P/N with no dash number after the first 9 digits are also affected. Units having a P/N with the first 9 digits and a dash number higher than those listed, are not affected by the requirements of this AD.

This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder, which indicates that the main landing gear (MLG) does not comply with certification specifications, which could result in a locking failure of the MLG side stay. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible collapse of the MLG during takeoff and landing.

None.