AD 2004-18-13 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622R, C4-605R Variant F, and F4-605R Airplanes

Models named: A300 B2, B4 series, A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622R, C4-605R Variant F, F4-605R. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 3474 has been accomplished; and Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622R, C4-605R Variant F, and F4-605R airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12169 has not been incorporated in production; certificated in any category. 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 (c) 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 detect and correct cracking of the gantry lower flanges in the main landing gear (MLG) bay area, which could result in decompression of the airplane, accomplish the following: One-Time Inspection and Corrective Action (a) For Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 16,300 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after July 30, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-13-37, amendment 39-10628), whichever occurs later, perform a one-time ultrasonic inspection for cracking of the gantry lower flanges in the MLG bay area, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 53-11, dated October 13, 1997. (1) If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the AOT. (2) If no cracking is detected, no further action is required by this paragraph. Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Action (b) For Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622R, C4-605R Variant F airplanes, and F4-605R airplanes: Perform the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), and (b)(4) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6128, dated March 5, 2001. (1) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this AD, perform initial ultrasonic inspections or high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracks of the lower flanges of gantries 3, 4, and 5 between fuselage frames FR47 and FR54, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, including the Synoptic Chart contained in Figure 2, sheets 1 through 5 inclusive, of the service bulletin. (i) In accordance with the thresholds specified in the Synoptic Chart contained in Figure 2, sheets 1 through 5 inclusive, of the service bulletin; or (ii) Within 200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. (2) Perform repetitive ultrasonic inspections or high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracks of the lower flanges of gantries 3, 4, and 5 between fuselage frames FR47 and FR54, in accordance with the thresholds and Accomplishment Instructions, including the Synoptic Chart contained in Figure 2, sheets 1 through 5 inclusive, of the service bulletin. (3) Perform repairs and reinforcements, in accordance with the thresholds and the Accomplishment Instructions, including the Synoptic Chart contained in Figure 2, sheets 1 through 5 inclusive, of the service bulletin, except as specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this AD. (4) If a new crack is found during any action required by paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this AD and the Synoptic Chart contained in Figure 2, sheets 1 through 5 inclusive, of the service bulletin specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action: Prior to further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). Credit for Inspections Accomplished in Accordance With the AOT (c) Any inspection accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus AOT 53-11, dated October 13, 1997, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding inspection specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, for that inspection area only. Operators must do the applicable inspections in paragraph (b)(1) of this AD for the remaining inspection areas. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (d) An AMOC 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved AMOCs 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. Incorporation by Reference (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6128, excluding Appendix 01, dated March 5, 2001; and Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 53-11, dated October 13, 1997; as applicable. (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6128, excluding Appendix 01, dated March 5, 2001, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 53-11, dated October 13, 1997, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 30, 1998 (63 FR 34589, June 25, 1998). (3) 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 1997-372-236(B) R2, dated April 18, 2001, and 2001-091(B), dated March 21, 2001. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 19, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 31, 2004. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-20408 Filed 9-13-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P