AD 2001-15-14 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; except those on which Airbus Modification 47917 (Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3119 or A340-32-4157) has been incorporated in production. 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 (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 the attachment pin from fully migrating from the brake torque rod and the collar from detaching from the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in loss of braking on two wheels and the inability to extend the MLG, accomplish the following: Installation of Retainer Device (a) Within 5 months after the effective date of this AD, install a retainer device on the attachment pin of the brake torque rods of the MLG, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3119 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32-4157 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated July 13, 2000. Note 2: The Airbus service bulletins refer to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletins A33/34-32-163 and A33/34-32-164, both dated March 1, 2000, as additional sources of service information for accomplishment of the installation required by this AD. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an MLG on any airplane unless it has been modified 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, 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 (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) The installation shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3119, dated July 13, 2000; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4157, dated July 13, 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 2000-478-130(B) and 2000-479-157(B), both dated November 29, 2000. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 5, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 19, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-18468 Filed 7-31-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U