AD 88-03-04

88-03-04 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-5833. Applies to Model A300 B2 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus Industrie (AI) Service Bulletin A300-32-369, dated December 12, 1986, certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent collapse of the main landing gear (MLG), accomplish the following:

A. Prior to each lower tie rod accumulating 7,000 landings or within the next 500 landings, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 landings, perform an ultrasonic inspection of the MLG lower tie rods, in accordance with AI Service Bulletin A300- 32-369, dated December 12, 1986. Replace defective lower tie rods before further flight.

B. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

C. Special flight permitsmay be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of inspections and/or modifications required by this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Airbus Industrie, Airbus Support Division, Avenue Didier Daurat, 31700 Blagnac, France. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or at the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington.

This amendment becomes effective February 28, 1988.