Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies, and replacement of any discrepant assembly with a new, like assembly. The proposal also would require replacement of all slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies with improved assemblies, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by reports of broken or missing inner races on the slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies of the slat transmission system. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent cracking of the inner race, which could cause it to break off and, consequently, allow the slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies to become worn; this situation could result in failure of the shaft of the slat transmission system, and subsequent uncommanded movement of the associated slat.