Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. This proposal would require inspecting the bearings located in the mechanical control linkage of the nose landing gear (NLG) free-fall mechanism for discrepancies, replacing any discrepant bearings with stainless steel bearings, and conducting a test to ensure that the NLG free-fall mechanism extends properly. This proposal is prompted by a report indicating that, during an operational test of the NLG, the landing gear failed to extend. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the bearings from seizing, which could lead to the loss of NLG free-fall extension capability.