AD 2002-08-13 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.

All Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; 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 (e) 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 loss of the yellow hydraulic system, which provides all the hydraulics for certain spoilers; elements of the hydraulics for flaps, stabilizer, pitch and yaw feel systems, pitch and yaw autopilot, and yaw damper; and elevator, rudder, and aileron, accomplish the following: Inspection and Functional Check (a) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, identify the part number and serial number of the parking brake operated valve (PBOV) to determine whether the PBOV is an affected part, as identified by Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1233, dated August 16, 2001. (1) If the PBOV is NOT an affected part, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the PBOV is an affected part: Except as required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, test the PBOV in accordance with the service bulletin; and thereafter perform follow-on and corrective actions (including repetitive tests and repair of the PBOV or replacement with a serviceable PBOV) at the time specified by and in accordance with the service bulletin, as applicable. (b) If Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1233, dated August 16, 2001, specifies to contact the manufacturer for corrective action: Prior to further flight, perform the corrective action in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). Optional Terminating Action (c) Replacement of the PBOV with a new, nonaffected PBOV terminates the requirements of this AD. Affected PBOVs are identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1233, dated August 16, 2001. Spares (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an affected PBOV on any airplane, unless that PBOV is in compliance with all applicable requirements of this AD. Affected PBOVs are identified by Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1233, dated August 16, 2001. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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. 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 (f) 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 (g) Except as required by paragraph (b) of this AD: The actions must be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1233, including Appendix 01, dated August 16, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2001-384(B), dated September 5, 2001. Effective Date (h) 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. 02-9568 Filed 4-22-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P