AD 2002-08-12 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 as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 or A340-32A4176, both Revision 01, dated November 23, 2001; 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 prevent leakage of the parking brake operated valve (PBOV) of the main landing gear and consequent failure of the “blue” hydraulic system, which could affect elements of the hydraulics for flaps, stabilizer, certain spoilers, elevator, rudder, and aileron, accomplish the following: Inspections/Follow-On Actions (a) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a one-time detailed inspection to determine the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) of the PBOV of the main landing gear, according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32A4176 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both Revision 01, dated November 23, 2001; as applicable. (1) If no P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipment according to the applicable service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any P/N or S/N is identified as affected equipment according to the applicable service bulletin: Before further flight, perform the follow-on actions (which may include a visual inspection for hydraulic fluid leakage at the PBOV, repair or replacement of the PBOV with a new or serviceable part if leakage is found, and an operational test) according to the applicable service bulletin. If the affected PBOV is not replaced, or if the PBOV is replaced with a part having the same P/N or S/N, repeat the inspection thereafter at the time specified by and according to the service bulletin, as applicable, until the part is replaced. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.” Optional PBOV Modification/Replacement (b) Modification of affected PBOVs, or their replacement with new PBOVs, according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32A4176 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both Revision 01, dated November 23, 2001, as applicable, terminates the requirements of this AD. Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions before the effective date of this AD according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139 or A340-32A4176, dated September 14, 2001, as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. 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) The actions must be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32A3139, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated November 23, 2001; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32A4176, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated November 23, 2001; 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2001-516(B) R1 and 2001-517(B) R1, both dated February 6, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 8, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 12, 2002. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-9567 Filed 4-22-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U