AD 2001-15-11 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2; A300 B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600); A310; A319; A320; A321; A330; and A340 Series Airplanes

Model A300 B2; A300 B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); A310; A319; A320; A321; A330; and A340 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with powered cockpit seats manufactured by SOGERMA and having the serial numbers listed in SOGERMA Service Bulletin SB TAAI2-25-402, Revision 1, dated December 21, 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 (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 uncommanded horizontal movement of the cockpit seats or loss of ability to lock the seats into place during flight, which could limit the ability of the crew to perform necessary tasks, leading to reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Remove Labinal actuators having part number (P/N) 4136290003 and replace them with Labinal actuators having P/N 4136290004 or 4136290005, or AVIAC actuators having P/N 6147-6, in accordance with SOGERMA Service Bulletin SB TAAI2-25-402, Revision 1, dated December 21, 2000. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a powered cockpit seat that has a Labinal actuator having P/N 4136290003 on any airplane. 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, 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 2: 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 replacement shall be done in accordance with SOGERMA Service Bulletin SB TAAI2-25-402, Revision 1, dated December 21, 2000. 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 SOGERMA Z.I. de l'arsenal, BP. 109-17303 Rochefort 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2000-524(B), dated December 27, 2000. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 4, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-18433 Filed 7-30-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U