AD 2002-06-53 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes Equipped With Certain Thales Avionics Digital Distance and Radio Magnetic Indicators (DDRMIs)

Models named: A319, A320, A321 series, A330 series, A340 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes equipped with Thales Avionics Digital Distance and Radio Magnetic Indicators (DDRMIs) having part numbers specified in paragraph 3.2 of Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) A320-34A1262, dated March 19, 2002; Model A330 series airplanes equipped with Thales Avionics DDRMIs having part numbers specified in paragraph 3.2 of Airbus AOT A330-34A3109, dated March 19, 2002; and Model A340 series airplanes equipped with Thales Avionics DDRMIs having part numbers specified in paragraph 3.2 of Airbus AOT A340-34A4120, dated March 19, 2002. 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 (b) 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 DDRMI, which could cause the loss of data from the affected computers to other systems and degradation or total failure of the computers, leading to reduced ability to control the airplane in adverse conditions, accomplish the following: Deactivation of the DDRMI (a) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, deactivate the DDRMI in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A320-34A1262, dated March 19, 2002; Airbus AOT A330-34A3109, dated March 19, 2002; or Airbus AOT A340-34A4120, dated March 19, 2002; as applicable. Note 2: Where there are differences between the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and this AD, this AD prevails. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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 Seattle ACO. Special Flight Permits (c) 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 (d) The action shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex A320-34A1262, dated March 19, 2002; Airbus All Operator Telex A330-34A3109, dated March 19, 2002; or Airbus All Operator Telex A340-34A4120, dated March 19, 2002; as applicable. (Only the first page of these documents contains the document number and date; no other page of the documents contains this information.) 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 T2002-150(B) and T2002-151(B), both dated March 19, 2002. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 2002, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2002-06-53, issued March 20, 2002, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 2002. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-9614 Filed 4-19-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U