AD 2001-14-17 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes

Models named: A300 B2, B4 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes, certificated in any category. 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 detect and correct corrosion of the lower bulkhead attachment, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the rear pressure bulkhead and consequent damage to components of the flight control, hydraulic, and auxiliary power unit fuel systems, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) At the applicable time specified by paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD: Perform a detailed visual inspection (including the removal of sealant from stringer 27LH to stringer 27RH) to detect corrosion between the cleat profile and the inner rim attachment angle of the lower bulkhead attachment, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-53A0361, dated June 14, 2001. Perform applicable repair at the applicable time specified by and in accordance with the AOT, except as required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (1) For airplanes inspected within a year before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-217, Revision 4, dated January 14, 1997, and for which no corrosion was detected: Inspect within 4 weeks after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD: Inspect within 2 weeks after the effective date of this AD. Note 2: The AOT refers to Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-217, Revision 4, dated January 14, 1997, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Note 3: 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) If corrosion is found during the inspection required by this AD, and the AOT indicates that operators are to contact Airbus for appropriate action: Repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). 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. 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 (d) 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 (e) Except as required by paragraph (b) of this AD: The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A300-53A0361, dated June 14, 2001. 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 2001-245(B), dated June 16, 2001. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 26, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 3, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-17165 Filed 7-10-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P