AD 2000-19-06 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330-202, -223, -301, -321, -322 series, A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A330-202, -223, -301, -321, and -322 series airplanes having manufacturer's serial numbers (MSN) 0012 through 0244 inclusive; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes having MSN's 0002 through 0245 inclusive; 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 prevent corrosion and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wings due to lack of cold expansion of an existing drain hole, which could lead to cracks initiating from that drain hole; and the incorrect location of the drain hole, which can allow moisture to be trapped; accomplish the following: Modification (a) Modify the bottom skin panel 3, located aft of the rear spar on the left and right wings, by cold expanding the existing drain hole [including performing a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) rototest inspection of the hole for cracks, cold expanding the hole, and drilling and reaming the hole to a specific diameter], and by adding another drain hole, as necessary (including drilling and reaming the new hole to a specific diameter, and cold expanding the hole). Accomplish the actions in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3060 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-57-4068 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both Revision 01, both dated December 6, 1999; as applicable; at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Model A330-202 and -223 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 9,600 total landings or 32,600 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (2) For Model A330-301, -321, and -322 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total landings or 51,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (3) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 41300 has NOT been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 10,800 total landings or 48,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (4) For Model A340-213 and -313 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 41300 has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 8,100 total landings or 36,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. Certain Repairs (b) If any damage is found during accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and the applicable service bulletin specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference 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. 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 sections 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) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3060, Revision 01, dated December 6, 1999; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4068, Revision 01, dated December 6, 1999; as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 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 directives 2000-158-119(B) and 2000-157-145(B), both dated April 5, 2000. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 5, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 13, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-23999 Filed 9-19-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P