AD 2003-18-06 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-131 and -132; A320-231, -232, and -233; and A321-131 and -231 Series Airplanes

Model A319-131 and -132; A320-231, -232, and -233; and A321-131 and -231 series airplanes; certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which the following have been incorporated: Airbus Modifications 21948/P6222 and 30869 in production; Airbus Modifications 24259/P6222 and 30869 in production; Airbus Modifications 24259/P6222 and 24259/P6473 in production; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1028, dated March 23, 2001, in-service. 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 (b) 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 separation of the engine fan cowl door from the airplane in flight, which could result in damage to the airplane and hazards to persons or property on the ground, accomplish the following: Modification and/or Installation (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the action(s) specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Configuration 01 airplanes identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1028, dated March 23, 2001: Modify the door latches of the fan cowl of both engines ( i.e. , installation of new anti-swivel plates and weights), and install a new hold-open device, per the service bulletin. (2) For Configuration 02 airplanes identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1028, dated March 23, 2001: Install a new hold-open device per the service bulletin. Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1028 refers to International Aero Engines Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-71-0256, dated June 23, 1999, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the required actions. International Aero Engines Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-71-0256 recommends that International Aero Engines Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-71-0227 be accomplished concurrently. This AD does not require accomplishment of International Aero Engines Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-71-0227. Alternative Method of Compliance (b) 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. 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 (c) 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1028, dated March 23, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 2001-381(B), dated September 5, 2001. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 16, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 29, 2003. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-22705 Filed 9-10-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P