Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-10- 03, for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. AD 2013-10-03 currently requires one-time inspections for deformation and damage of the bogie beams of the main landing gear (MLG); repetitive inspections for damage and corrosion of the sliding piston sub-assembly on certain airplanes; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2013-10-03, we have determined that certain one-time inspections are no longer necessary, certain compliance times may be extended, and an optional terminating action should be provided. This proposed AD would remove Model A340- 500, and -600 series airplanes from the applicability, remove certain one-time inspections of the MLG bogie beams and the sliding piston sub- assembly; revise certain compliance times and provide, for certain airplanes, an optional terminating action for the repetitive actions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage or corrosion under the bogie stop pad of both MLG bogie beams, which could result in a damaged bogie beam and consequent detachment of the beam from the airplane, or collapse of the MLG and departure of the airplane from the runway.