Summary
The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes; and all Airbus Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, A300 B4-622, A300 B4-605R, A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, A300 F4-622R, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. The original NPRM would have required inspecting to determine the part number of the sliding rods of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators. For MLG retraction actuators equipped with sliding rods having certain part numbers, the original NPRM would also have required inspecting for discrepancies, including but not limited to cracking, of the sliding rod; and performing corrective actions if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from a report of a failure of a sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuator before the actuator reached the life limit established by the manufacturer. This action revises the original NPRM by proposing to require the return of affected sliding rods to the manufacturer. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent failure of the sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuator, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the MLG.