AD 2003-14-11 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.

All Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR part 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR part 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25-1529.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent hydraulic leakage and failure of the servo-controls located on the ailerons due to cracks in the end caps and along the barrel, which could result in loss of the ailerons and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Airworthiness Limitations Revision and Replacement of Servo-Control Units (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by inserting a copy of this AD into the ALS. (b) Replace the servo-control units operating in the active mode at the times specified in Table 1 of this AD as follows, counted from the date of initial installation on the airplane, as applicable: Table 1.—Part Numbers and Replacement Life Limits For model— Replace Servo-Controls having the following part numbers with new parts having the same part numbers: Replace before— (1) A330 series airplanes (i) 3337457-21, -22, and -23 (inboard) 6,000 flight hours.   (ii) 3337457-25, -26, and -27 (inboard) 18,000 flight hours.   (iii) 3337457-30, -31, -34, -35, -36, -37, and -38 (inboard) 21,000 flight cycles or 32,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first.   (iv) 3337457-59 and -60 (inboard) 60,000 flight hours. This is a temporary and life limit; if the operator wants to use the parts beyond 60,000 flight hours the accumulated flight hours of the parts since their origin must be tracked and a request submitted for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD.   (v) 3337458-30, 31, -34, -35, 36, -37, and -38 (outboard) 21,000 flight cycles or 32,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first.   (vi) 3337458-59 and -60 (outboard) 60,000 flight hours. This is a temporary life limit; if the operator wants to use the parts beyond 60,000 flight hours the accumulated flight hours of the parts since their origin must be tracked and a request submitted for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. (2) A340 series airplanes (i) 3337457-21, -22, and -23 (inboard) 9,000 flight hours.   (ii) 3337457-25, -26, and -27 (inboard) 27,000 flight hours.   (iii) 3337457-30, -31, -34, -35, 36, -37, and -38 (inboard) 16,400 flight cycles or 65,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first.   (iv) 3337457-59 and -60 (inboard) 80,000 flight hours. This is a temporary and life limit; if the operator wants to use the parts beyond 80,000 flight hours the accumulated flight hours of the parts since their origin must be tracked and a request submitted for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD.   (v) 3337458-30, 31, -34, -35, 36, -37, and -38 (outboard) 16,400 flight cycles or 65,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first.   (vi) 3337458-59 and -60 (outboard) 80,000 flight hours. This is a temporary life limit and if the operator wants to use the parts beyond 80,000 flight hours must track the accumulated flight hours of the parts since their origin and request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. (c) Except as provided by paragraph (d) of this AD: After the actions specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD have been accomplished, no alternative life limits may be approved for the components specified in paragraph (b) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 Operations 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 (e) 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2001-529(B) and 2001-530(B), both dated November 14, 2001. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 18, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 7, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-17694 Filed 7-11-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P