AD 2005-05-16 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R Airplanes

Models named: A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-622R. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-622R airplanes, serial numbers 0797 and 0836 inclusive; and Model A300 F4-622R airplanes, serial numbers 0805 through 0828 inclusive; certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection and Corrective Action (f) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time detailed inspection to determine if lower guide fittings for the forward doors are installed in the correct positions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6140, Revision 01, dated November 24, 2003. (1) If the lower guide fittings are installed in the correct positions: No further action is required by this AD. (2) If any lower guide fitting is not installed in the correct position: Before further flight, re-install the lower guide fitting in the correct position, or replace the lower guide fitting with a new, improved guide fitting, as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin. 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.” Actions Accomplished In Accordance With Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (g) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6140, dated June 12, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. No Reporting Requirement (h) The Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6140, Revision 01, dated November 24, 2003, describe procedures for reporting inspection findings to the manufacturer. This AD does not require this reporting. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) French airworthiness directive 2003-292(B), dated August 6, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6140, Revision 01, dated November 24, 2003, excluding Appendix 01, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document 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 March 2, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-4828 Filed 3-11-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports that lower guide fittings for the forward doors were found installed in the wrong positions at frames 14 and 16A. We are issuing this AD to prevent difficulty opening the forward doors, which could impede an emergency evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers.