AD 91-04-04

91-04-04 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-6895. Docket No. 90-NM-224-AD.

Applicability: Model A320-111, A320-211, and A320-231 series airplanes, equipped with twin wheel axles; Serial Numbers 002 through 044, 052 through 055, 059 through 073, 076 through 078, and 081; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To detect defects in the main landing gear (MLG) sliding tube assemblies, accomplish the following:

A. Prior to the accumulation of 6,600 landings, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, accomplish the following in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-32-1031, Revision 1, dated March 19, 1990: 1. Perform an inspection of the MLG wheel axles, using "Stresscan 500C" test equipment. 2. Identify the part number of the MLG sliding tube assemblies. 3. Replace all sliding tube assemblies identified as suspect.

NOTE: The Airbus Industrie service bulletin references Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin 200-32-70, Appendix A, dated December 7, 1989, for additional instructions.

B. If defects are found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph A. of this AD, prior to further flight, replace all sliding tube assemblies, in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-32-1031, Revision 1, dated March 19, 1990.

C. 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, Transport Airplane Directorate.

NOTE: The request should be submitted directly to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, and a copy sent to the cognizant FAA Principal Inspector (PI). The PI will then forward comments or concurrence to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

D. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base in order to comply with the requirements of 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, 31700 Blagnac, France. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington.

This amendment (39-6895, AD 91-04-04) becomes effective on March 19, 1991.