AD 2005-07-14 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

Models named: A318, A319, A320, A321 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; 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. Phase 1 Inspection or Review of Maintenance Records (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for the part number (P/N) of the spoiler servo control at the applicable locations specified in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004. Instead of inspecting the spoiler servo control, a review of the airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of the spoiler servo control can be conclusively determined from that review. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normal available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Table 1.—Phase 1 Spoiler Servo Control Inspection For airbus model— Inspect spoiler servo controls at— A318 and A319 series airplanes Positions 2, 3, 4, and 5. A320 series airplanes Position 2. A321 series airplanes Positions 2, 3, and 4. Phase 2 Inspection or Review of Maintenance Records (g) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for the P/N of the spoiler servo control at the applicable locations specified in Table 2 of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004. Instead of inspecting the spoiler servo control, a review of the airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of the spoiler servo control can be conclusively determined from that review. Table 2.—Phase 2 Spoiler Servo Control Inspection For airbus model— Inspect spoiler servo controls at— A318 and A319 series airplanes Position 1. A320 series airplanes on which Airbus modification 26335 and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1115, dated October 27, 1997; and Revision 01, dated June 22, 1999; has not been done Positions 1 and 3. A320 series airplanes on which Airbus modification 26335 or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1115, dated October 27, 1997; or Revision 01, dated June 22, 1999; has been done Positions 1, 3, 4, and 5. A321 series airplanes Positions 1 and 5. Corrective Action (h) If, during any inspection specified in paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD, P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112 is found or if unable to determine the P/N, before further flight, replace the spoiler servo control with a new or modified spoiler servo control, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158 or A320-27-1159; both Revision 01; both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; both dated September 3, 2004; as applicable. Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A320-27-1158, Revision 01; and A320-27-1159, Revision 01; refer to Goodrich Service Bulletin 31077-27-14, dated May 24, 2004; as an additional source of service information for modifying the spoiler servo control. Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issues of Service Information (i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159; both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; both dated May 26, 2004; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by this AD. Reporting Not Required (j) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, Revision 01, dated September 3, 2004; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, Revision 01, dated September 3, 2004; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Parts Installation (k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a spoiler servo control, P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112, on any airplane, unless it has been modified according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158 or A320-27-1159; both Revision 01; both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; both dated September 3, 2004. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l) 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 (m) French airworthiness directive F-2004-122, dated July 21, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004; as applicable; 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 these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service information, go to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To view the AD docket go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service information, go to 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 . Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 24, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-6685 Filed 4-6-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report of a broken piston rod bearing of the spoiler servo control. We are issuing this AD to prevent breakage of the piston rod bearing, which could cause loss of the associated hydraulic system and spoiler extension, and could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.