Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes. This proposal would require performing a ram air turbine (RAT) extension test; removing and disassembling the RAT lever assembly; performing an inspection to detect corrosion of the RAT lever assembly, and replacement with a new assembly, if necessary; and cleaning all the parts of the RAT control shaft and its bearing component parts. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that the RAT did not extend during ground testing, due to corrosion in the uplock pin/shaft and the needle bearing of the RAT. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct such corrosion of the RAT, which could result in failure of the RAT to deploy and subsequent loss of emergency hydraulic power to the flight controls in the event that power is lost in both engines.