AD 2002-10-06 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 without Airbus Modification 26017; 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 erroneous display of decision height information to the flightcrew during final approach, which could result in an increased risk of collision with terrain, accomplish the following: Modification (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the flight warning computers (FWCs) in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1106, Revision 04, dated December 21, 1999. Note 2: FWC replacement accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-31-1106, dated January 3, 1997; Revision 01, dated April 16, 1997; Revision 02, dated January 20, 1998; or Revision 03,dated July 9, 1999, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Spare Parts (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an FWC, part number 350E017251414, on any airplane. 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 §§ 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 A320-31-1106, Revision 04, dated December 21, 1999. 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 2000-320-147(B), dated July 26, 2000. (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 24, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 10, 2002. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-12321 Filed 5-17-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U