AD 2000-07-29 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 Series Airplanes

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

Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes; on which any fire shut-off valve (FSOV) having part number (P/N) B38LC50XX (where XX is 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, or 10) is installed; certificated in any category. 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 (c) 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 detect and correct failure of the FSOV's to close, which could result in failure of the engine fire shut-off system, and consequent inability to extinguish an engine fire, accomplish the following: Repetitive Operational Tests (a) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform an operational test of the 4 FSOV's on the airplane, in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-22, dated November 24, 1997. If any FSOV fails the test, prior to further flight, replace the FSOV with a new or serviceable FSOV, in accordance with the AOT. Repeat the operational test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install an FSOV, part number (P/N) B38LC50XX (where XX is 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, or 10), on any airplane, unless a successful operational test has been performed in accordance with the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 2: 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 (d) 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-22, dated November 24, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal as of September 4, 1998 (63 FR 40811, July 31, 1998). 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 98-356-259(B), dated September 9, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 19, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 7, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-9246 Filed 4-13-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P