Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, that currently requires measurement of the force required to move the interior control handle of the emergency exit doors, and various follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. This action would add repetitive functional tests to measure the force necessary to move the interior control handle of the emergency exit doors; and adjusting an emergency exit door or replacing the bearing of the door lifting mechanism, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by reports of seizure of a bearing and increased door handle forces that were outside the limits of the required hand forces due to seizure of two teflon line bearings on the lifting shaft. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent impeding passenger evacuation during an emergency due to difficulty in lifting the interior control handle that is used to open the emergency exit door.