Summary
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the upper support of the nose landing gear (NLG), and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that previously allowed terminating actions no longer address the unsafe condition and that a new terminating action is necessary. This proposed AD would require installing a new enhanced manufacturing and maintainability (EMM) braking and steering control unit (BSCU) standard and adds airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent landings with the NLG turned 90 degrees from centerline, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.