2023-12-19: Landing gear

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-07-03, Amendment 39-17407 (78 FR 21227, April 10, 2013); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2023-12-19 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-22478; Docket No. FAA-2023-0011; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00211-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 23, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2013-07-03, Amendment 39-17407 (78 FR 21227, April 10, 2013) (AD 2013-07-03). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD; certificated in any category. (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243 and -243F airplanes. (2) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes. (3) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes. (4) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes. (5) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing gear. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bogie pivot pin of the main and central landing gear bogie beams. Investigation indicated these findings were the result of material heating due to friction between the bogie pivot pin and bush, leading to chrome detachment and chrome dragging on the bogie pivot pin. Since issuance of AD 2013-07-03, an optional terminating modification was developed and it was also determined that a parts installation prohibition is necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks and damage to the main and central landing gear. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the collapse of the landing gear and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0025R2, dated August 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0025R2). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0025R2 (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0025R2 refers to March 1, 2022 (the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0025, dated February 15, 2022), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0025R2 refers to April 13, 2012 (the effective date of EASA AD 2012-0053, dated March 30, 2012), this AD requires using May 15, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-07-03). (3) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0025R2 specifies corrective actions for the non-destructive test (NDT) inspection, replace the text "the base metal of the affected part is found corroded" with "the bogie pivot pin is found corroded or the base metal is found cracked." (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0025R2. (5) For the terminating modification specified in paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2022-0025R2, replacement of the unmodified main landing gear (MLG) with MLG that has been previously modified off the airplane is acceptable for compliance, provided the modification was done as specified in the applicable Safran Landing Systems Service Bulletin A33/34-32-315, dated November 28, 2017; A33/34-32-319, dated September 13, 2018; or A33/34-32-320, dated September 13, 2018; and the test after the modification was done as specified in AMM task 32-11-11-400-801-A. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0025R2 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. (i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2013-07-03 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0025R2 that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY; telephone 206-231-3229; email [email protected]. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0025R2, dated August 9, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2022-0025R2, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on June 21, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-15178 Filed 7-18-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P