AD 2005-19-27 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with fuel jettison valve part number (P/N) HTE900169.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletin Reference (f) For the purposes of this AD the term “service bulletin” means the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3078, Revision 01, dated August 4, 2004. Note 1: The service bulletin refers to FR-HiTemp Service Bulletin HTE900169-28-1, Revision 1, dated November 8, 2004, as an additional source of service information for doing a visual inspection of the mounting flange of the jettison valve. Inspection to Determine Serial Number and Flight Cycles (g) Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD in accordance with the service bulletin. (1) Inspect the fuel jettison valves, P/N HTE900169, to determine whether any of the following serial numbers are installed: FR092BC to FR099BC inclusive, FR001BD to FR030BD inclusive, FR031BE to FR058BE inclusive, and M151VB292. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if information can be conclusively determined from that review. If any affected serial number is installed: Before further flight, remove the jettison valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD. (2) Review airplane records to determine the number of flight cycles accumulated on the fuel jettison valves since first installation on the airplane. If any jettison valve has accumulated 5,200 total flight cycles or more, or if the number of flight cycles cannot be determined: Before further flight, remove the jettison valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD. Detailed and Eddy Current Inspections for Cracks of the Mounting Flange (h) Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, for any jettison valve that was not removed in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracks of the mounting flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service bulletin. (1) If no crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before further flight, do an eddy current inspection for cracks of the mounting flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service bulletin and, whether a crack is found or not, before further flight, do the modification required by paragraph (i) of this AD. If no crack is found during the eddy current inspection, the inspected jettison valve may be reinstalled during the modification required by paragraph (i) of this AD. (2) If any crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before further flight, do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD and do not reinstall the jettison valve. 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.” Modification (i) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Modify the diameters of the six attachment holes in the wing bottom skin panel, and install a new fuel jettison valve, or reinstall a previously installed fuel jettison valve that has been inspected and found to have no crack in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the service bulletin. Parts Installation (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a fuel jettison valve, P/N HTE900169, unless it has been inspected and had corrective actions done in accordance with paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (l) French airworthiness directive F-2004-127, dated August 4, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3078, Revision 01, dated August 4, 2004, 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-18910 Filed 9-26-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of fuel leaks in the fuel jettison system located on the wings. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks from the fuel jettison outlets, which could result in fuel vapors coming into contact with ignition sources, and consequent fire or explosion.