AD 2006-03-09 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 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 Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and A340-211, -212, -213 -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category, as identified in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1.—Applicability Airbus model Except those modified in production by Airbus modification A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes 51953 and either 52110 or 53081. A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313 airplanes 51953 and either 52110 or 53081. A340-541 and -642 airplanes 51951 and either 52109 or 53081.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Borescope Inspection (f) At the later of the times specified in paragraph (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD: Do a borescope inspection for detached or damaged float valves in the left and right trim tanks, by doing the applicable actions in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003, and A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes); or A340-28-4100 and A340-28-4101, both Revision 01, both dated August 16, 2004 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes); as applicable. (1) Prior to the accumulation of 2,500 total flight cycles or 15,000 total flight hours, whichever is first. (2) Within 7,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. Related Investigative and Corrective Actions (g) Depending on the results of the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Do the applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD, at the times specified in Table 2. Table 2.—Inspection Results and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions If inspection results reveal— Then— In accordance with Airbus service bulletin— Detached or damaged float valve in the right trim tank Before further flight: (1) Remove the detached float and float debris from trim tank and do a detailed tank inspection for structural damage to the affected trim tank. Repair any structural damage to the trim tank or deactivate the trim tank, before further flight, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin, or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer, instead contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003. A340-28-4100, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004.   Before further flight, after doing the detailed inspection and repairing any structural damage: (2) Replace the affected float valve with a new unit having the same part number (P/N), or a new, improved float valve, P/N 62015-1, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If a new unit of P/N 61600 is installed, thereafter, do the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003. A330-28-3088, dated April 27, 2004. A340-28-4100, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4102, dated April 27, 2004. Detached or damaged float valve in the left trim tank Before further flight: (1) Remove the detached float and float debris from the trim tank and do a detailed inspection for structural damage to the affected trim tank. Repair any structural damage to the trim tank or deactivate the trim tank, before further flight, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin, or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer, instead contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4101, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004.   Before further flight, after doing the detailed inspection and repairing any structural damage: (2) Replace the affected float valve with either a new unit having that same P/N, or a new improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003. If a new unit of P/N L87-13-001 is installed, thereafter, do the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If a float valve having P/N L87-13-002 is installed, thereafter, replace that float valve with a float valve having that same P/N at intervals not to exceed those specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD. A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A330-28-3089, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005. A330-28-3094, dated April 7, 2005. A340-28-4101, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4103, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A340-28-4111, dated April 6, 2005. No damaged or detached float valve in the left trim tank Within 10,000 flight hours or 1,500 flight cycles, whichever is first, from the initial inspection done in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, replace the existing Argo-Tech float valve, P/N 61600, with either a new unit having that same P/N, or a new, improved float valve, P/N 62015-1. If a new unit of P/N 61600 is installed, thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003. A330-28-3088, dated April 27, 2004. A340-28-4100, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4102, dated April 27, 2004. No damaged or detached float valve in the left trim tank Within 10,000 flight hours or 1,500 flight cycles, whichever is first, from the initial inspection done in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, replace the existing Intertechnique float valve, P/N L87-13-001, with either a new unit having that same P/N, or a new improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003. If a new unit of P/N L87-13-001 is installed, thereafter, do the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If a float valve having P/N L87-13-002 is installed, thereafter, replace that float valve with a float valve having that same P/N at intervals not to exceed those specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD. A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A330-28-3089, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005. A330-28-3094, dated April 7, 2005. A340-28-4101, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4103, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A340-28-4111, dated April 6, 2005. 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.” Installation of New, Improved Float Valves (h) Within 50 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace any Argo-Tech float valve, P/N 61600, with a new, improved float valve, P/N 62015-1; replace any Intertechnique float valve, P/N L87-13-001, with a new, improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003; and do any applicable corrective action; by accomplishing the actions specified in the Accomplishments Instructions of the applicable service bulletin in Table 3 of this AD. Do any applicable corrective action before further flight. For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If P/N L87-13-002 is installed, replace the float valve thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24,500 flight cycles. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve replacement required by this paragraph. Installation of either P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003 terminates the borescope inspections required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer, instead contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Table 3.—Service Information for New Float Valves Airbus model Float valve P/N Airbus service bulletin A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes 62015-1 L87-13-002 L87-13-003 L87-13-003 A330-28-3088, dated April 27, 2004. A330-28-3089, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005. A330-28-3094, dated April 7, 2005. A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and —313 airplanes 62015-1 L87-13-002 L87-13-003 A340-28-4102, dated April 27, 2004. A340-28-4103, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A340-28-4111, dated April 6, 2005. A340-541— and -642 airplanes 62015-1 L87-13-002 L87-13-003 A340-28-5007, dated May 7, 2004. A340-28-5010, dated may 7, 2004. A340-28-5021, dated April 6, 2005. Actions Accomplished Previously (i) Inspections and related investigative and corrective actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with any applicable Airbus service bulletin identified in Table 4 of this AD, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. Table 4.—Service Information for Actions Accomplished Previously Airbus model Airbus service bulletin A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes A330-28-3087, dated July 24, 2003. A330-28-3089, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2004. A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and —313 airplanes A340-28-4100, dated July 24, 2003. A340-28-4101, dated July 24, 2003. A340-28-4103, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2004. A340-28-5010, dated May 7, 2004. A340-28-5021, dated April 6, 2005. No Submission of Information/Parts (j) Where any Airbus service bulletin specifies to submit information to Airbus, or send removed float valves to either Argo-Tech or Intertechnique, those actions are not required by this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(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 (l) French airworthiness directives F-2005-003, dated January 5, 2005, and F-2005-004 R1 and F-2005-005 R1, both dated April 27, 2005, also address the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use the documents specified in Table 5 of this AD 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Table 5.—Material Incorporated by Reference Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date A330-28-3086, excluding Appendix 01 Original July 24, 2003. A330-28-3087, excluding Appendix 01 01 August 16, 2004. A330-28-3088 Original April 27, 2004. A330-28-3089 02 April 1, 2005. A330-28-3093 Original June 16, 2005. A330-28-3094 Original April 7, 2005. A340-28-4100 01 August 16, 2004. A340-28-4101, excluding Appendix 01 01 August 16, 2004. A340-28-4102 Original April 27, 2004. A340-28-4103 02 April 1, 2005. A340-28-4111 Original April 6, 2005. A340-28-5007 Original May 7, 2004. A340-28-5010 Original May 7, 2004. A340-28-5021 Original April 6, 2005. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 27, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-989 Filed 2-3-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of detached and damaged float valves in the left and right fuel tanks of the trimmable horizontal stabilizers (trim tanks). We are issuing this AD to prevent, in the event of a lightning strike to the horizontal stabilizer, sparking of metal parts and debris from detached and damaged float valves, or a buildup of static electricity, which could result in ignition of fuel vapors and consequent fire or explosion.