AD 2005-18-11 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 Series Airplanes

Models named: A340-211, -212, -213, A340-311, -312, -313. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-211, -212, and -213, and A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-54-4009, Revision 01, dated February 15, 2005.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. One-Time Inspection/Repair (f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a one-time detailed inspection for discrepancies of the spotfacing for the pylon-to-engine attachment bolts on the pyramid forward fitting of each engine pylon, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-54-4009, Revision 01, dated February 15, 2005. Repair any discrepancy before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. Inspections and repairs accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-54-4009, dated August 25, 2004, are acceptable for compliance with this paragraph. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “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.” No Reporting Requirement (g) Although the referenced service bulletin describes procedures for submitting a report of inspection results to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. 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 airworthiness directive F-2005-011, dated January 19, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A340-54-4009, Revision 01, dated February 15, 2005, excluding Appendix 01, 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 29, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-17606 Filed 9-6-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report that, during a routine inspection, it was found that the diameter of the spotfacings was too small for two of the pylon-to-engine attachment bolts on the pyramid forward fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the pylon-to-engine attachment bolts on the pyramid forward fitting, which could result in separation of an engine from the airplane.