AD 2004-11-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330, A340-200, A340-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; except for those on which Airbus Modification 50044 has been accomplished in production, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fatigue failure of the rotary actuator lever for the flaps, which could result in loss of the flap surface and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Replace the flap rotary actuators with modified flap rotary actuators in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3106 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4111 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both Revision 02, both dated February 4, 2004, as applicable. Do the replacement at the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Prior to the accumulation of 18,000 total flight cycles. (2) Within 12 years since the date of issuance of the original Airworthiness Certificate, or within 12 years since the date of issuance of the original Export Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever occurs first. (b) Replacements accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3106 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4111 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both dated February 18, 2003; or Revision 01 of those service bulletins, both dated April 8, 2003; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD. Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3106 and A340-27-4111, both Revision 02, reference Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH Service Bulletins 697510-27-02 and 697511-27-02, both dated February 21, 2003; and Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH Service Bulletins 697510-27-03 and 697511-27-03, both dated December 5, 2003; as additional sources of service information for accomplishment of the replacement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3106, Revision 02, dated February 4, 2004; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4111, Revision 02, dated February 4, 2004; 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, 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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2003-140(B), dated April 2, 2003, and 2003-141(B), dated April 2, 2003. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 13, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 20, 2004. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-12572 Filed 6-7-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P