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 or damage of the steady bearing assemblies of the flap transmission system, and replacement of any discrepant or damaged assembly with a new, like assembly. This proposal also would require eventual replacement of all the steady bearing assemblies with new, improved assemblies, which would terminate the repetitive inspection requirement. This proposal is prompted by reports of cracking of the hardened steel inner race, and broken or missing inner races of the steady bearing assemblies. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such discrepancies and damage of the shafts of the steady bearing assemblies, which could cause the shafts to fail; failure of the steady bearing shafts during a subsequent asymmetric stop could result in an uncommanded asymmetric retraction of the flap, and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane.