AD FAA-2007-27257

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting to determine the part number of the sliding rods of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuators. For MLG retraction actuators equipped with sliding rods having certain part numbers, the AD also requires inspecting for discrepancies, including but not limited to cracking, of the sliding rod; and performing corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires returning affected sliding rods to the manufacturer. This AD results from a report of a failure of a sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuator before the actuator reached the life limit established by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuator, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the MLG.