AD 2004-23-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R Series Airplanes

Models named: A300 B4-600R, A300 F4-600R series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes, certificated in any category, on which Airbus Modification 4801 (trim tank system) has been accomplished.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank, accomplish the following: Restatement of Requirements of AD 99-27-07 Inspections (a) Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total hours, time-in-service or within 250 hours time-in-service after February 8, 2000 (the effective date of AD 99-27-07, amendment 39-11488), whichever occurs later, perform a detailed inspection for damage of the center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. Repeat the inspection prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total hours time-in-service, or within 250 hours time-in-service after accomplishment of the initial inspection, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 250 hours time-in-service, until accomplishment of the initial inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” (b) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection to detect damage of the center tank fuel pumps and perform an eddy current inspection to detect damage of the fuel pump canisters, in accordance with Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated February 19, 1999; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6061, Revision 04, dated August 1, 2002. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles, until accomplishment of paragraph (d) of this AD. Accomplishment of the initial inspections required by this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 11,000 or more total flight cycles as of February 8, 2000: Inspect within 300 flight cycles after February 8, 2000. (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,500 or more total flight cycles, but fewer than 11,000 total flight cycles, as of February 8, 2000: Inspect within 750 flight cycles after February 8, 2000. (3) For airplanes that have accumulated fewer than 8,500 total flight cycles as of February 8, 2000: Inspect prior to the accumulation of 7,000 flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight cycles after February 8, 2000, whichever occurs later. Corrective Action (c) If any damage is detected during any inspection required by this AD, prior to further flight, replace the damaged fuel pump or fuel pump canister with a new or serviceable part in accordance with Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated February 19, 1999; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6061, Revision 04, dated August 1, 2002. New Requirements of This AD Modification (d) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the canisters of the center tank fuel pumps (including an operational test) by doing all the actions per paragraphs 3.A., 3.B., 3.C., and 3.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6069, Revision 01, dated May 28, 2002. Accomplishment of this modification ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (e) Accomplishment of the modification before the effective date of this AD per Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6069, dated September 4, 2001, is acceptable for compliance with the modification required by paragraph (d) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 99-27-07, amendment 39-11488, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with the applicable actions in this AD. Incorporation by Reference (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with the applicable service information listed in Table 1 of this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. Table 1.—Materials Incorporated by Reference Airbus service information Revision level Date All Operators Telex 28-09 Original November 28, 1998. Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061 Original February 19, 1999. Service Bulletin, A300-28-6061 04 August 1, 2002. Service Bulletin, A300-28-6069 01 May 28, 2002. (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6069, Revision 01, dated May 28, 2002; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6061, Revision 04, dated August 1, 2002; 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) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 28, 1998 (63 FR 70639, December 22, 1998). (3) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated February 19, 1999, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of February 8, 2000 (65 FR 213, January 4, 2000). (4) 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 directive 2002-132(B), dated March 20, 2002. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on December 20, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 1, 2004. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-24930 Filed 11-12-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P