Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of both main landing gear (MLG), and repair if necessary. The existing AD also provides optional terminating actions for certain airplanes, as well as other optional methods for complying with the inspection requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD would continue to require repetitive inspections for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of the left and right MLG at new repetitive intervals in accordance with new service information, and repair or replacement of any cracked MLG fitting if necessary. This proposed AD would also require modification of the rib bushings of the left and right MLG, which would end the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from cracks found in the forward lug of the MLG support rib 5 fitting. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking in the forward lug of the MLG, which could result in failure of the lug and consequent collapse of the MLG during takeoff or landing.