AD 2000-25-53 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Series Airplanes

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

Model A330 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney 4000 series engines, certificated in any category; fitted with engine aft mount nuts and bolts installed in accordance with Airbus Modification 46948 (installed on in-service airplanes per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3012). 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 detect and correct cracking of the aft engine mount nut, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the engine-to-pylon aft mount assembly, or, in the case of multiple cracked nuts, possible loss of an engine, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Before the next flight, perform either a detailed visual or borescopic inspection to detect cracking or other damage of all 4 barrel nuts of each engine aft mount, in accordance with paragraph 4.2.1 of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-71A3014, dated December 8, 2000. If any cracking or damage is detected, before further flight, replace nuts and their associated bolts, as applicable, in accordance with paragraph 4.2.2 of the AOT. Repeat the inspection thereafter at least every 50 flight cycles. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Note 3: Airbus AOT A330-71A3014, dated December 8, 2000, refers to Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-71-16, Revision 1, dated September 15, 1999, as an additional source of service information for replacing the nuts and bolts. 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 4: 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 All Operators Telex A330-71A3014, dated December 8, 2000. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French telegraphic airworthiness directive T2000-523-134(B), dated December 8, 2000. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 2, 2001, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2000-25-53, issued December 9, 2000, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 18, 2000. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-32763 Filed 12-27-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P