AD 2001-11-09 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330, A340 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with a trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) part number 47172, and on which Airbus Modification 45299 has been performed. 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 degraded operation of the THSA due to the entrance of water into the ball nut, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections (a) Within 150 flight hours from the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies in the THSA (including distortion of the transfer tubes, disconnection of the tubes, and distortion of the collar of the ball nut), in accordance with All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-27A3088 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27A4093 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated April 5, 2001, as applicable. If any discrepancy, as defined in paragraph 4-2-2/Rejection Criteria of the applicable AOT, is detected, prior to further flight, replace the THSA with a serviceable one, per the applicable AOT. 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.” (b) At intervals not to exceed 150 flight hours, repeat the inspection mandated in paragraph (a) of this AD. Report of Inspection Findings (c) Submit a report of inspection findings (both positive and negative) to Airbus; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD. (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date 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 International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (e) 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 (f) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3088, dated April 5, 2001; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4093, dated April 5, 2001; 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 2001-141(B) and 2001-140(B), both dated April 18, 2001. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 26, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 25, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-13996 Filed 6-8-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U