AD FAA-2013-0543

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain special washers used in the bearing installation of the retraction jack anchorage fitting in the main landing gear (MLG) were incorrectly manufactured. This AD requires an inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) bearing assemblies of the MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting to verify that the special washer is seated correctly, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct installation of incorrectly manufactured special washers, which could lead to a local stress concentration resulting in possible reduction of the fatigue life of the jack fitting, and consequent reduction of the structural integrity of the affected MLG.