AD 2001-09-09 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

The following airplanes, certificated in any category, listed in the following table: Table 1—Applicability Model/series Having serial numbers— Equipped with— A330-202, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343 0012 through 0314 inclusive, 0316 through 0319 inclusive, 0321, 0322, 0325 through 0328 inclusive Low-pressure fuel valves having part number (P/N) HTE900212 or HTE900160, and having a cross-feed valve having P/N HTE900162. A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313 0002 through 0327 inclusive Low-pressure fuel valves having P/N HTE900212 or HTE900160. 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 (c) 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 low-pressure and/or cross-feed fuel valves, which could result in the inability to shut off the fuel supply to the engine and exacerbate an engine fire, or the inability to cross-feed fuel when required, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 1,450 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the drive assemblies for the low-pressure and cross-feed fuel valves to detect discrepancies (incorrect configuration including a missing thrust washer and excessive movement of the drive spindle), in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28A3069 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-28A4087 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated July 27, 2000; as applicable. If any discrepancy is found: Prior to further flight, perform applicable corrective actions (including inserting a new washer, inspecting the drive assembly to detect damage and wear, repairing cracking, and replacing unserviceable parts with serviceable parts) in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. 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.” Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane a low-pressure fuel valve having P/N HTE900212 or HTE900160, unless that valve has been inspected and applicable corrective actions have been performed in accordance with the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28A3069, dated July 27, 2000; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-28A4087, dated July 27, 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 directives 2000-406-125(B) and 2000-405-152(B), both dated September 20, 2000. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 21, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-10726 Filed 5-3-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U