Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time operational test and repetitive functional tests of the free fall control mechanism of the landing gear, to ensure proper release of the main landing gear (MLG), and corrective action, if necessary. This proposal also would require eventual modification of the free fall control mechanism of landing gear, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive functional tests. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent malfunction of the free fall control mechanism of the landing gear, which could result in the inability to extend the MLG in the event of failure of the hydraulic extension system.