AD 2001-01-09 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-301, -321, and -322 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330-301, -321, -322 series, A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

The following airplanes, certificated in any category: Model A330-301, -321, and -322 series airplanes; excluding those on which Airbus Modification 46964 or 47221 has been installed; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes. 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 (d) 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 hydraulic leakage from the yaw damper actuator, which could lead to complete loss of the green hydraulic circuit and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Restatement of Requirements of AD 99-26-12 Repetitive Replacement (a) Prior to the accumulation of 6,500 total flight hours, or within 500 flight hours after January 24, 2000 (the effective date of AD 99-26-12, amendment 39-11471), whichever occurs later, replace the yaw damper actuator installed on active position with a new or overhauled yaw damper actuator in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3055, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998, or Revision 02, dated March 24, 2000 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-27-4063, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the replacement at intervals not to exceed 6,500 flight hours. For Model A330 series airplanes, after the effective date of this AD, only Revision 02 of Service Bulletin A330-27-3055 may be used. Note 2: Replacement of yaw dampers accomplished prior to January 24, 2000, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3055, dated August 26, 1997 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4063, dated August 26, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable; is an acceptable method of compliance for the initial replacement required by paragraph (a) of this AD. New Requirements of This AD Terminating Action (b) For Model A330 series airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, install 3 upgraded flight control primary computers (FCPC), in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3071, dated November 19, 1999, or A330-27-3068, dated July 29, 1999; as applicable. Accomplishment of the installation terminates the requirements of this AD for Model A330 series airplanes. Spares (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an FCPC, part number LA2K01500A40000 or LA2K1A100D20000, on any Model A330 series airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 any approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (e) 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 (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Airbus service bulletins, as applicable:   Service bulletin number Revision level Date A330-27-3055 Revision 01 July 1, 1998 A330-27-3055 Revision 02 March 24, 2000 A340-27-4063 Revision 01 July 1, 1998 A330-27-3071 Original November 19, 1999 A330-27-3068 Original July 29, 1999 (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3055, Revision 02, dated March 24, 2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3071, dated November 19, 1999; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3068, dated July 29, 1999; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3055, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4063, Revision 01, dated July 1, 1998; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 24, 2000 (64 FR 71004, December 20, 1999). (3) Copies of any of these service bulletins 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 1998-100-067(B) R2, dated May 19, 1999; 98-104-083(B), dated February 25, 1998; and 2000-076-115(B) R1, dated March 22, 2000. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 2, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-1233 Filed 1-17-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U