Action
Final rule.
Summary
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-10-03, which applied to 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 required 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. This new AD removes Model A340-500 and 600 series airplanes from the applicability; removes certain one-time inspections of the MLG bogie beams and the sliding piston sub-assembly; revises certain compliance times; and requires replacement of certain MLGs with MLGs having an improved bogie beam, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections on the modified MLG. This AD was prompted by reports of corroded and cracked bogie beams under the bogie stop pad. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.