# Proposed AD 2003-NM-16-AD: Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2005-03-14
- Products: Airbus
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period.
- Published: October 5, 2004, 69 FR 59557
- Comments due: October 26, 2004
- Became: [AD 2005-03-14](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2005-03-14)
- Docket: 2003-NM-16-AD
- FR document: 04-22356
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/a9/6b/a96b95d8124978e9422ddd8aa786b165c15f08fdcfc7a2e9b72635833e34c7f9 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2004-10-05/pdf/04-22356.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/10/05/04-22356/airworthiness-directives-airbus-model-a300-b2-and-b4-series-airplanes
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/6FAE795D0CAFEBB386256F2400512A23.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/2003-NM-16-AD

## Summary

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes, that would have superseded an existing AD that currently requires determining the part and amendment numbers of the variable lever arm (VLA) of the rudder control system to verify that the parts were installed using the correct standard, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain VLAs, the proposed AD would also have required repetitive inspections for damage, and replacement with a new VLA if necessary. This new action revises the proposed AD by mandating a terminating modification of the VLA, which would end the repetitive inspections. This new action also changes the applicability in the proposed AD. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of both spring boxes of certain VLAs due to corrosion damage, which could result in loss of rudder control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

## Notices in this docket

- May 3, 2004: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 04-9904, comments due Jun 2, 2004 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/05/03/04-9904/airworthiness-directives-airbus-model-a300-b2-and-b4-series-airplanes)
- Oct 5, 2004: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period., FR document 04-22356, comments due Oct 26, 2004 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/10/05/04-22356/airworthiness-directives-airbus-model-a300-b2-and-b4-series-airplanes)

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