AD 2000-25-10 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes, and Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (A300-600) Series Airplanes

Models named: A300 B2, B4 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes, and Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (A300-600) series airplanes; 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 (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 cross connection of the hydraulic hoses or pipes that supply the main strut unlocking actuator, which could lead to consequent collapse of the main landing gear (MLG) under lateral taxiing loads, accomplish the following: Corrective Actions (a) Within 1,000 flight hours or 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Verify the correct location of the labels of the hydraulic pipes supplying the strut unlocking actuator of the left-hand MLG, and of the pipes of the left- and right-hand cross brace, and reidentify the pipes, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32A0437 (for Model A300 series airplanes) or A300-32A6080 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated April 5, 2000, as applicable. If any label is located incorrectly, prior to further flight, replace the label with a new label in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Note 2: The service bulletins reference Airbus Service Bulletins A300-57A0234 and A300-57A6087, as well as Messier-Dowty International Service Bulletin No. 470-32-792, as additional sources of service information for accomplishment of the specified actions. 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, 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 (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 A300-32A0437, dated April 5, 2000; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32A6080, dated April 5, 2000; 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 directive 2000-204-309(B), dated May 17, 2000. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 25, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 11, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-31989 Filed 12-20-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P