A319 pilot reports transient nose wheel steering fault during pushback then after 4 hours in cruise a landing gear shock absorber fault. This is followed shortly by autopilot; auto throttle; and Flight Director failures. Descending through 10;000 FT all systems are regained and normal landing ensues.

Narrative

Crew encountered a transient nosewheel steering fault on pushback; then following dual engine start System 1 Brake fail. Crew referenced Flight Manual and performed CB reset to clear brake fault prior to takeoff. Uneventful departure and cruise for 4 hours. During cruise at FL360; ECAM indicated Landing Gear Shock Absorber fault. Prior to completing ECAM; aircraft lost autopilot and autothrottles with associated ECAMs. Both pilots simultaneously lost both Flight Directors; no other indications of FMGC failure. Crew completed autopilot and autothrottle ECAMs and opened book on landing gear ECAM; interrupting this procedure to coordinate with ATC descent out of RVSM airspace. Crew completed all irregular procedures and contacted Maintenance via phone patch with Dispatch. Maintenance confirmed dual FMGC failure and sensor failure on nosewheel steering position indicator. Following phone patch crew determined an uneventful landing was probable and requested Flight Attendant cabin advisory and emergency vehicles stand by for arrival due to slight potential of cocked nosewheel on landing. Most of arrival was hand flown; but at 10;000 FT; both Flight Directors; autopilot; autothrottles were regained (without crew input) and used until 1;000 FT AGL. Uneventful landing and taxi to gate. Callback conversation with Reporter revealed the following information: The Reporter could add no new information about this incident except to state that he was the First Officer on this flight.