AD 2005-17-07 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320-111 Airplanes and Model A320-200 Series Airplanes

Models named: A320-111, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, -233. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-111 airplanes, and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; certificated in any category; with serial numbers 2275 through 2440 inclusive, 2442 through 2446 inclusive, 2448, 2450, 2452, 2454, 2456 through 2458 inclusive, 2460 through 2474 inclusive, 2476 through 2478 inclusive, 2480 through 2483 inclusive, 2485, and 2486.

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 Related Investigative and Corrective Actions (f) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection of the axle nut of each MLG wheel for the presence of locking bolts and associated hardware (nuts, washers, and pins), and any applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Description section of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A320-32A1303, dated July 4, 2005. Do any related investigative or corrective action before further flight. 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 normally 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.” Inspection Report (g) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspection(s) required by paragraph (f) of this AD to the manufacturer, in accordance with the Reporting/Acknowledgement section of Airbus AOT A320-32A1303, dated July 4, 2005, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h) 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 (i) French emergency airworthiness directive UF-2005-128, dated July 13, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A320-32A1303, dated July 4, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-16457 Filed 8-22-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report that an axle nut had separated from an axle on a main landing gear (MLG) wheel, due to missing locking bolts. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct missing locking bolts on the axle nuts of the MLG wheels. Absence of the locking bolts could result in separation of a wheel(s) from the axle and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane during takeoff and landing, and possible injury to people on the ground.