EASA AD 26-109 — Wings – Main Landing Gear Attachment / Rib 5 Forward Lug – Inspection(s)

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive PAD No. 26-109 is a proposed directive addressing inspection requirements for the main landing gear Rib 5 forward lug on Airbus A300-600, A310, and A300 F4-608ST aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive detailed visual inspections of the affected lugs to detect corrosion and cracking that could compromise the structural integrity of the landing gear attachment. The directive applies to specific serial numbers and configurations as defined in the document.

What Changed

This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the main landing gear Rib 5 forward lug for corrosion and cracking on affected Airbus A300-600, A310, and A300 F4-608ST aircraft. It also requires reporting inspection results to Airbus and specifies corrective actions if discrepancies are found. Additionally, it defines terminating actions through specific modifications for certain groups of aircraft.

Why It Matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to failure of the main landing gear attachment structure. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent structural failures. Compliance helps maintain fleet safety and avoids costly unscheduled repairs or replacements.

What To Do

Operators of affected Airbus A300-600, A310, and A300 F4-608ST aeroplanes must perform detailed visual inspections of the main landing gear Rib 5 forward lug within specified compliance times and at defined intervals thereafter. Any discrepancies found must be reported to Airbus and corrected according to approved instructions before further flight. Modifications outlined in the directive may be applied as terminating actions for repetitive inspections. Inspection results must be reported within 30 days after each inspection.