AD 2012-06-19

This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 30, 2012.

None.

This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, if fitted with the nose landing gear (NLG) identified in table 1 of this AD.

(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.

(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes.

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing Gear.

This AD was prompted by reports of a cracked main fitting and sliding tube during overhaul of NLGs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, defects, or damage of the main fitting and sliding tube of the NLG, which could result in failure of the main fitting or sliding tube, and consequent NLG collapse.

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

Within 900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube for any cracks, defects, and damage of the paint or surface protection, including paint removal and cracking of the surface treatment. Before further flight after doing the detailed inspection of the NLG, remove the labels, paint, surface protection coatings, and cadmium from the NLG main fitting; do a detailed inspection for any damage to the surface that will impair the magnetic particle inspection (MPI); and, if any defects are found, before further flight remove any defects by polishing. Do all actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).

Before further flight after doing the actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD: Do an MPI for cracking of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).

(1) If no crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, flap peen the inspected area where the paint and cadmium has been removed, and replace the protective coatings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).

(2) If any crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the damaged part with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).

Within 900 flight hours after accomplishing the actions in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the surface treatment of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube for any cracks, defects, and damage of the paint or surface protection, including paint removal and cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).

(1) If no crack, defect, or damage is detected during the detailed inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours.

(2) If any crack, defect, or damage is detected during the detailed inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Before further flight, inspect for damage to the label surface and around the labels for signs of sealant damage and moisture ingress behind labels; do a detailed inspection for any damage to the surface that will impair the MPI; and, if any defects are found, remove any defects by polishing, and do an MPI for cracking of the NLG main fitting and sliding tube. Do all actions specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).

(i) If no crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, flap peen the inspected area where the paint and cadmium has been removed, and replace the protective coatings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes).

(ii) If any crack is detected during the MPI required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the damaged part with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009 (for Model A340 airplanes). Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours.

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to Attn: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-0034, dated March 5, 2010, corrected March 8, 2010, and the following service information, for related information.

(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009.

(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009.

(1) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:

(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-32-3233, dated October 22, 2009.

(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-32-4275, dated October 22, 2009.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.

(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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.