AD 2003-03-16 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and -323 Series Airplanes Equipped With Pratt & Whitney Model PW4164, PW4168, or PW4168A Engines

Models named: A330-223, -321, -322, -323 series, PW4164, PW4168, or PW4168A. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Airbus Model A330-223, -321, -322, and -323 series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Pratt & Whitney Model PW4164, PW4168, or PW4168A engines; except those airplanes on which all of the following modifications have been installed: —Modification 46147 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3016, Revision 01, dated August 7, 2000); —Modification 46948 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3012, Revision 01, dated August 25, 2000), or Modification 49419 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3015, Revision 01, dated March 19, 2002); —Modification 46383 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3009, Revision 02, dated August 31, 2001); and —Modification 47341 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3011, dated December 14, 1999). Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 reduced structural integrity of the primary structure of the engine pylons, and uncommanded deployment of the thrust reversers, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Modification of the Engine Pylon Primary Structure (a) Prior to the accumulation of 500 flight cycles on the engine or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the primary structure of the engine pylon by accomplishing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3016, Revision 01, dated August 7, 2000, per the service bulletin. (b) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this AD, per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3016, dated July 15, 1999, are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable modification required by this AD. Replacement of Thrust Reverser Locking Actuators (c) Within 500 hours on the engine or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the thrust reverser locking actuators on engine 1 and engine 2 with new and improved actuators, per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3011, dated December 14, 1999. Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3011, dated December 14, 1999, references Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-100-78-71, dated September 24, 1999, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the replacement of the thrust reverser locking actuators. Parts Installation (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a locking actuator having part number 1610000-11 or -13, on any airplane. 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, 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 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 (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) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-54-3016, Revision 01, dated August 7, 2000; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-78-3011, dated December 14, 1999; 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2000-237-123(B) R1, dated December 12, 2001. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 20, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-2146 Filed 2-4-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P