AD 2004-15-14 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -133; A320-231, -232, and -233; and A321-131 and -231 Series Airplanes

This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -133; A320-231, -232, and -233; and A321-131 and “231 series airplanes; certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 32943 has been incorporated in production.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) (f) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the Airbus A318/319/320/321 AFM to include the information in Temporary Revision (TR) 4.02.00/20, dated May 3, 2004. This may be done by inserting a copy of the TR into the AFM. When the TR has been included in general revisions of the AFM, those general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, provided the relevant information in the general revisions is identical to that in the TR. Post-IDG Shutdown Inspection (g) If an IDG is shut down by the flightcrew in accordance with the TR procedures specified in paragraph (f) of this AD, or if an IDG is shut down automatically, do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Before further flight, inspect the firewall connector of the affected IDG to detect signs of arcing, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. If any sign of arcing is detected: Before further flight, either repair the connector or replace the connector with a new connector, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. (2) Operate the airplane with the affected IDG inoperative in accordance with the provisions and compliance periods specified in the FAA-approved Master Minimum Equipment List. Before further use of the affected IDG, do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Terminating Action (h) Replacement of the IDG harnesses and connectors on both engines in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1030, dated February 27, 2003, terminates the requirements of this AD. Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1030 refers to International Aero Engines Information Bulletin V2500-NAC-70-0736, dated January 28, 2003, as an additional source of information for the harness/connector replacement specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) Unless this AD specifies otherwise, you must use Temporary Revision 4.02.00/20, dated May 3, 2004, to the Airbus A318/319/320/321 Airplane Flight Manual; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1030, dated February 27, 2003; as applicable; to perform the actions that are required by this AD. (Only page 1 of the temporary revision contains the date of the document.) The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the documents, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. You can review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; 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 . Related Information (k) French airworthiness directive F-2004-074, dated May 26, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 16, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service [FR Doc. 04-16914 Filed 7-28-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of intermittent interruption of the electrical power supply due to fretting and consequent arcing of the electrical harness of the integrated drive generator (IDG) at the pin-to-socket connector at the firewall. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the transient loss of certain systems and the consequent reduced ability of the flightcrew to cope with adverse flight conditions.