AD 2005-20-32 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 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. Service Bulletin References (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated December 22, 2003, as applicable. (1) Where the service bulletins recommend contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent). (2) Although the service bulletins specify submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Determining Part Number, Serial Number (g) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Perform an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the left- and right-hand elevator assemblies. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of each elevator assembly can be conclusively determined from that review. If neither elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD, no further action is required by this paragraph. If either elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD, do paragraph (h) of this AD. (1) Within 10 years after the date of the first flight of the airplane, or before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles, whichever is first. (2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. Table 1.—Affected Elevator Part Numbers and Serial Numbers Part Affected part numbers Affected serial numbers Left-hand elevator assembly F55280000000, F55280000004 CG1002 through CG1091 inclusive, CG1093, CG1094, CG2001. Right-hand elevator assembly F55280000001, F55280000005 CG1002 through CG1094 inclusive, CG2001. Inspections (h) If the left- or right-hand elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD: Before further flight after accomplishing paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD, as applicable. (1) Perform an endoscopic inspection to detect damage (such as a scratch, disbonding, or a tear), and a tap test and a thermographic inspection to detect signs of moisture penetration, to the upper and lower elevator panels on both sides of the airplane, in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) If any damage is found, before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions (including but not limited to repeating the thermographic inspection to determine the size of the damaged area, and performing a tap test around the areas where moisture is indicated), in accordance with the service bulletin. (3) Re-protect the elevator assembly (including performing a general visual inspection to determine if the drainage holes are clean, a general visual inspection to determine the condition of the sealant covering the static discharges contour, and applicable corrective actions), in accordance with the service bulletin. 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.” Parts Installation (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, an elevator assembly having a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD unless the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD are accomplished. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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 14 CFR 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 (k) French airworthiness directive F-2004-118 R1, dated October 13, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 22, 2003; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 22, 2003; as applicable; 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 these documents 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 September 29, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-20064 Filed 10-11-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports that areas on the top skin panel of the right-hand elevator have disbonded due to moisture penetration. We are issuing this AD to prevent disbonding of the elevator assembly, which could reduce the structural integrity of the elevator and result in reduced controllability of the airplane.