Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07- 23, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2016-07-23 requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive replacements of the fixed fairing upper and lower attachment studs of both the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) main landing gear (MLG); and repetitive inspections for corrosion, wear, fatigue cracking, and loose studs of each forward stud assembly of the fixed fairing door upper and lower forward attachments of both the LH and RH MLG; and replacement if necessary. AD 2016-07-23 also provides an optional terminating modification for the repetitive replacements of the fixed fairing upper and lower attachment studs. Since we issued AD 2016-07-23, we have determined that for some airplane configurations, associated fixed fairing assembly part numbers susceptible to fatigue cracking were not listed in certain service information required by AD 2016-07-23. In addition, we have determined that additional work is necessary to re-identify the fixed fairing assembly part number on certain airplanes. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2016-07-23 and, for certain airplanes, require re-identification of the LH and RH fixed fairing assemblies' part numbers. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.