AD 2004-20-11 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600)

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

This AD applies to all airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1.—Applicability Model Serial nos. A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes All. A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600) 796 and earlier.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletins (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD. Table 2.—Service Bulletins For model Airbus service bulletin (1) A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600) A300-57-6092, Revision 02, dated November 21, 2002. (2) A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes A300-57-0238, Revision 02, dated November 21, 2002. Inspection and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions (g) Within 18 months or 1,500 flight cycles from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed inspection of the skin panels of the wing slats for damage and certain repairs, and do all applicable related investigative/corrective actions, by accomplishing all the actions in the applicable service bulletin. Do the actions in accordance with the service bulletin, except as required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. Do any related investigative/corrective action before further flight. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is “an intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Repair (h) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and the service bulletin recommends contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Ge ne rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). (i) If any repair that has a specific Airbus approval other than a Repair Approval Sheet signed by the DGAC (or its delegated agent) is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and the service bulletin specifies that the related investigative action is not necessary: Before further flight, do the applicable related investigative/corrective actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (j) Where there are differences between this AD and the service bulletin, the AD prevails. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (l) French airworthiness directive 2003-086(B), effective March 15, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0238, Revision 02, dated November 21, 2002; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6092, Revision 02, dated November 21, 2002; as applicable; unless the AD specifies otherwise. 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 service information, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 29, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-22469 Filed 10-12-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by the results of an engineering evaluation that revealed that several repairs and some allowable damage limits specified in the structural repair manuals do not provide adequate static and/or fatigue strength for repaired wing slats. We are issuing this AD to find and fix previously done repairs of the wing slats that have inadequate static and/or fatigue strength, which, if not corrected, could result in loss of the slats and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.