AD 2006-01-03 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes

Models named: A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, A300 B4-2C, B4-103, B4-203. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, and B2-203 airplanes; and Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 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. Repetitive Replacements (f) Within 4,500 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first: Inspect zone 120 to determine the part numbers (P/Ns) of all three angle of attack (AOA) sensors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision 01, dated February 3, 2004. Instead of inspecting zone 120 to determine the P/Ns of the AOA sensors, a review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/Ns of the AOA sensors can be conclusively determined from that review. If no Honeywell AOA sensor having part number (P/N) 965-4020-007 is found, then no further action is required by this paragraph. If any Honeywell AOA sensor having P/N 965-4020-007 is found, before further flight, replace the AOA sensor with a new or overhauled AOA sensor having P/N 965-4020-007, in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the replacement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight hours or 96 months, whichever is first. Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the repetitive replacements. Optional Terminating Action (g) Replacement of all Honeywell AOA sensors having P/N 965-4020-007 between frame (FR)18 and FR19 with “vane type” AOA sensors; and replacement of the current detectors in relay boxes 252VU and 107VU with new current detectors; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0092, Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005; terminate the repetitive replacements required by paragraph (f) of this AD. No Reporting Requirement (h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision 01, dated February 3, 2004, specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Parts Installation (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an AOA sensor having P/N 965-4020-007 on any airplane, unless it is new or overhauled. Thereafter repetitively replace the new or overhauled AOA sensor in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. Credit for Previously Accomplished Actions (j) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, dated July 9, 2003, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Credit for Optional Terminating Action (k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-092, Revision 2, dated July 18, 1985, or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0092, Revision 03, dated November 2, 2004, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(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 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 (m) French airworthiness directive F-2003-457 R1, dated December 22, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated February 3, 2004, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The optional terminating action provided by paragraph (g) of this AD, if accomplished, must be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0092, Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005. 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 5, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-315 Filed 1-13-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of several false stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, occurring during take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent false stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, which could result in increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the cause of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's ability to control the airplane.