AD 2001-09-03 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, certificated in any category; with serial numbers as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55A3026, dated June 23, 2000, or A330-55A3025, Revision 01, dated September 15, 2000. 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 (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 failure of the bonds of the spars, the rib, and the stringers of the vertical stabilizer spar box to the skin, which could lead to reduction in the structural integrity of the spar box, accomplish the following: Inspections (a) Within 650 flight cycles from the previous inspection performed prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-55A3025, dated April 19, 2000, or 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform an ultrasonic inspection of the spars, the rib, and the stringers of the vertical stabilizer spar box for failure of the bonds to the skin, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55A3025, Revision 01, dated September 15, 2000. Repeat the ultrasonic inspection at intervals not to exceed 650 flight cycles until the accomplishment of paragraph (c) of this AD. Note 2: The ultrasonic inspection need not include those areas of the spars, the rib, and the stringers of the vertical stabilizer spar box which have previously been repaired or modified. Repairs (b) Perform applicable repairs, as shown in Table 1, as follows: Table 1.—Repairs If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a)— Then— (1) No failure of the bonds is detected No repair is required. (2) A single area of failed bonding is detected, and it is smaller than 300 mm  2 No repair is required. (3) A single area of failed bonding is detected, and it is at least 300 mm  2 but less than 2,000 mm  2 Prior to further flight, perform a local repair per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55A3025, Revision 01, dated September 15, 2000. (4) A single area of failed bonding is detected, and it is at least 2,000 mm  2 , or multiple areas of failed bonding are detected at one specific component Prior to further flight, perform a repair per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55A3025, Revision 01, dated September 15, 2000. Terminating Action (c) Within 5 years of the date of manufacture of the airplane: Install fasteners to the spars, the rib, and the stringers of the vertical stabilizer spar box, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55A3026, dated June 23, 2000. Accomplishment of the installation terminates the repetitive inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD. 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, 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 Manager, 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 Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55A3025, Revision 01, dated September 15, 2000, and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55A3026, dated June 23, 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 2000-427-126(B), dated October 4, 2000. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 17, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-10464 Filed 5-1-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P