AD 2005-22-05 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 airplanes, certificated in any category, that have not received Airbus Modification 21088 or 21999 in production; and airplanes that have received Airbus Modification 21088 in production and have manufacturer's serial numbers 91 to 113 inclusive and 140 to 189 inclusive.

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 Modification of Fuel Pump Access Holes (f) Within 58 months after the effective date of this AD, perform the actions required by paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes that have not received Airbus Modification 21088 or 21999 in production: Modify the cables and access holes to the inner tank fuel pumps, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1008, Revision 1, dated April 10, 1989. (2) For airplanes that have received Airbus Modification 21088 in production and have manufacturer's serial numbers 91 to 113 inclusive and 140 to 189 inclusive: Perform a general visual inspection for the correct radius of the fuel pump access holes and modify the access holes, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1054, dated August 23, 1993. Do any applicable repairs 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.” No Reporting Requirement (g) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1054, dated August 23, 1993, describes procedures for reporting inspection findings to Airbus, this AD does not require that report. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) 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. (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 (i) French airworthiness directive F-2005-031, dated February 16, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the service information identified in Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1008, Revision 1, dated April 10, 1989, contains the following effective pages:   Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 2, 7-9 1 April 10, 1989. 3-6 Original February 9, 1989. 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Table 1.—Material Incorporated by Reference Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date A320-28-1008 1 April 10, 1989. A320-28-1054 Original August 23, 1993. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 18, 2005. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-21312 Filed 10-25-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel systems reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the fuel pump cables, which could result in electrical arcing and possible ignition of fuel vapors and consequent explosion of the fuel tank.