AD 2006-03-10 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 Series Airplanes; A320-111 Airplanes; A320-200 Series Airplanes; and A321-100 and A321-200 Series Airplanes

This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111 and -112; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133; A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211 and -231 airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers (S/Ns) 1 through 2396 inclusive, except S/Ns 2104, 2143, 2248, 2270, 2347, 2366, 2372, 2376, 2384, 2386, 2388, 2390, 2391, 2393, and 2395.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of the horizontal hinge pin of the 103VU electrical panel in the avionics compartment to determine if the pin can move out of the hinge, and do any applicable related investigative and corrective actions, including repair of any damaged electrical wires, before further flight. Do all the actions in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex 25A1440, dated February 15, 2005. 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 (g) Although Airbus All Operators Telex 25A1440, dated February 15, 2005, specifies that operators should send the results of inspections to the manufacturer, that action is not required by this AD. 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-2005-052 R1, dated April 13, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex 25A1440, dated February 15, 2005, 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 January 26, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-1151 Filed 2-8-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report indicating that electrical wire damage was found in the 103VU electrical panel due to contact between the hinge pin and the adjacent electrical wire harness. We are issuing this AD to prevent contact between the horizontal hinge pin and the adjacent electrical wire harness, which could result in damage to electrical wires, and consequent arcing and/or failure of associated systems.