AD 2000-23-23 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330, A340 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, certificated in any category; excluding those on which Airbus Modification 43021 has been installed. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 (b) 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 fatigue cracking at the rib 1/center spar angle and bottom corner fitting, which could result in reduced structural capability of the wing, accomplish the following: Modification (a) Modify the rib 1/wing center spar attachment, as specified by paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as applicable, of this AD. (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Modify before the accumulation of 9,600 total flight cycles or 29,900 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. Do the modification in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3017, including Appendix 01, Revision 02, dated October 11, 1999. (2) For Model A340 series airplanes: Modify before the accumulation of 9,300 total flight cycles or 37,200 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. Do the modification in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4022, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 8, 1999. Note 2: Modification prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3017, dated October 14, 1998, or Revision 01, dated April 9, 1999, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch. Special Flight Permits (c) 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3017, including Appendix 01, Revision 02, dated October 11, 1999; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4022, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 8, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2000-073-111(B) and 2000-074-136(B), both dated February 23, 2000. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 2, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 14, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-29605 Filed 11-27-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P