AD 2000-02-38 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 Series Airplanes

Models named: A300, A300-600, A310 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel feedline adapter, P/N A4937021700000 (welded configuration). Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent an APU compartment fire, accomplish the following: Restatement of Requirements of AD 91-20-07, Amendment 39-8041 Repetitive Inspections (a) Within 100 hours time-in-service after October 7, 1991 (the effective date of AD 91-20-07, amendment 39-8041), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 hours time-in-service: Perform a dye penetrant inspection to detect cracks, rupture or fuel leaks at the weld of the fuel feedline adapter, in accordance with Airbus Industrie All Operators Telex (AOT) 49-01, Issue 3, dated April 25, 1991. If cracks, rupture, or fuel leaks are found, replace the adapter with an improved, non-welded one-piece-body adapter prior to the next APU operation, or placard the APU inoperative until the adapter is replaced with the improved adapter, in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A300-49-0049, A300-49-6009, or A310-49-2012; all dated July 12, 1991; as applicable. (b) Within 100 hours time-in-service after October 7, 1991, verify the correct torque values of the starter motor cable terminals and the generator cable terminals in accordance with Airbus Industrie All Operators Telex (AOT) 49-01, Issue 3, dated April 25, 1991. Correct any torque value discrepancies prior to further flight, in accordance with the AOT. New Requirements of This AD Installation (c) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, install an improved APU fuel feedline adapter in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-49-0049, Revision 1 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A300-49-6009, Revision 1 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-49-2012, Revision 1 (for Model A310 series airplanes); all dated November 28, 1991; as applicable. Such installation constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Note 2: Although the service bulletins referenced in paragraph (b) of this AD specify installation of an APU fuel feedline adapter having part number P/N A4937021700200, installation of an adapter having P/N A4937021700400 is also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of that paragraph. Spares (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install an APU fuel feedline adapter, P/N A4937021700000 (welded configuration), on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) and Airbus service bulletins:   Service information referenced and date Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page AOT 49-01, Issue 3, April 25, 1991 1-3 3 April 25, 1991. A300-49-0049, July 12, 1991 1-11 Original July 12, 1991. A300-49-0049, Revision 1, November 28, 1991 1-4, 7, 8, 11 1 November 28, 1991.   5, 6, 9, 10 Original July 12, 1991. A300-49-6009, July 12, 1991 1-9 Original July 12, 1991. A300-49-6009, Revision 1, November 28, 1991 1-6, 9 1 November 28, 1991.   7, 8 Original July 12, 1991. A310-49-2012, July 12, 1991 1-11 Original July 12, 1991. A310-49-2012, Revision 1, November 28, 1991 1-4, 7, 8, 11 1 November 28, 1991.   5, 6, 9, 10 Original July 12, 1991. (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-49-0049, Revision 1, dated November 28, 1991; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-49-6009, Revision 1, dated November 28, 1991; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-49-2012, Revision 1, dated November 28, 1991; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 49-01, Issue 3, dated April 25, 1991; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-49-0049, dated July 12, 1991; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-49-6009, dated July 12, 1991; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-49-2012; dated July 12, 1991; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 7, 1991 (56 FR 47672, September 20, 1991). (3) Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 98-480-269(B), dated December 2, 1998. (h) This amendment becomes effective on March 13, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 31, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-2469 Filed 2-4-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U