Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections and tests to detect missing or damaged vespel bushes on the slat system universal joint assemblies of the left- and right-hand wings; and replacement of the universal joints with new joints, if necessary. This amendment also provides for an optional terminating modification for the repetitive inspection and test requirements. This amendment is prompted by a report of loose and migrated vespel bushes and partial cracking within unsupported bush areas found on the slat system universal joint assemblies. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent rupture of the universal joints, which could result in inadvertent movement of the slats, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.