AD 2006-15-10 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Airbus Model A310-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, A300 B4-605R, B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, F4-622R, A300 C4-605R Variant F, A310-203. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all of the following Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category: Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes Model A310-203, -204, -221, and -222 airplanes Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes

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) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the applicable required service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD. The service bulletins refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin 47142-27-11, Revision 3, dated April 25, 2005, as an additional source of service information for the required actions. Table 1.—Service Bulletins Required Airbus Service Bulletin Approved Airbus service bulletin version for actions done before the effective date of this AD Airbus airplane model A300-27-6044, Revision 04, dated September 10, 2001 A300-27-6044, Revision 02, dated August 26, 2000; or Revision 03, dated June 28, 2001 A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622. A300 B4-605R and B4-622R. A300 F4-605R and F4-622R. A300 C4-605R Variant F. A310-27-2089, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2001 A310-27-2089, Revision 01, dated August 25, 2000 A310-203, -204, -221, and -222. A310-304, -322, -324, and -325. Inspection (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, do a detailed inspection of specified components of the THSA in accordance with paragraph 1.E.(2)(a) and the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Repair any discrepancy before further flight in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). TRW Aeronautical Systems/Lucas Aerospace Component Maintenance Manual 27-44-13, dated September 14, 2001, is one acceptable method for the repair. (1) If the flight hours accumulated on the THSA can be positively determined: Inspect at the earlier of: (i) Before the accumulation of 47,000 total flight hours on the THSA, or within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (ii) Within 25 years since the THSA was new or within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) If the flight hours accumulated on the THSA cannot be positively determined: Inspect before the accumulation of 47,000 total flight hours on the airplane, or within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 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.” Follow-on Repetitive Tasks (h) After the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do the repetitive tasks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions and at the times specified in paragraph 1.E.(2)(b) of the service bulletin, as applicable, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. The repetitive tasks are valid only until the THSA operational life exceeds 65,000 flight hours, 40,000 flight cycles, or 25 years, whichever occurs first. Before the THSA is operated beyond these extended life goals, it must be replaced with a new THSA, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD. THSA Replacement (i) For any THSA, whether discrepant or not, that is replaced with a new THSA: Within 47,000 flight hours or 25 years, whichever occurs first, after the THSA is replaced, do the applicable tasks specified in paragraph 1.E.(2)(a) and the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter repeat the tasks within the repetitive intervals specified in paragraph 1.E.(2)(b) of the applicable service bulletin. 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 2001-242(B), dated June 27, 2001, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6044, Revision 04, dated September 10, 2001; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2089, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2001; 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 14, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-11700 Filed 7-24-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) that have reached their design operational life. We are issuing this AD to extend the operational life of the THSA to prevent a possible failure of high-time units, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.