AD 2001-26-10 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

Models named: A319, A320, A321 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, certificated in any category, having manufacturer serial numbers 1035 and 1384 inclusive. 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 oxygen containers to deliver oxygen to the passengers in the event of a rapid decompression or cabin depressurization; accomplish the following: Inspection, Installation, and Other Actions (a) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do an in-situ one-time detailed visual inspection of Dräeger Type I (three/four mask) oxygen containers, located in the passenger service units, and Dra eger Type II (two-mask) oxygen containers, located in the utility areas, for the presence of foam pads, per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1022, dated June 27, 2001. 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.” (1) If all foam pads are installed, before further flight, complete the other actions (including repacking the masks in the correct position; checking the masks, tubes, and lanyards for correct stowage; and doing a manual release test and an operational test) specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin to ensure proper operation of the masks. (2) If any foam pad is missing, before further flight, install a foam pad in the applicable oxygen container, and complete the other actions (including repacking the masks in the correct position; checking the masks, tubes, and lanyards for correct stowage; and doing a manual release test and an operational test) specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin to ensure proper operation of the masks. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a Dräeger Type I or Dräeger Type II oxygen container unless it has been inspected and other actions done per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1022, dated June 27, 2001. 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1022, dated June 27, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2001-363(B), dated August 8, 2001. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 11, 2002 Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 17, 2001. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-31549 Filed 12-26-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P