AD 2006-18-10 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes

Models named: A340-541, -642. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with a ram air turbine (RAT) module, Model ERPS33T, part number (P/N) 772722D or 772722E; serial numbers 0001 through 0024 inclusive, and 0101 through 0166 inclusive, having a Parker hydraulic pump with P/N 4217701 or 4217702.

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/Follow-on Corrective Actions if Necessary (f) Within 11 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a one-time general visual inspection of the anti-stall valve sleeve of the RAT for proper installation, and determine the P/N of the modification plate on the hydraulic pump of the RAT, by doing all applicable actions, including all applicable follow-on corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-5010, dated October 10, 2005. All corrective actions must be done before further flight. Although the service bulletin specifies returning any removed RAT to Hamilton Sundstrand, this AD does not require that action. 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 enhance visual access to all exposed 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.” Note 2: The Airbus service bulletin refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS33T-29-3, dated August 1, 2005, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(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 (h) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directive 2006-0046, dated February 16, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-5010, excluding Appendix 01, dated October 10, 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 August 23, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-14624 Filed 9-5-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of failure of the anti-stall valve on the hydraulic pump of the RAT during scheduled ground tests. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the RAT hydraulic pump to supply adequate pressure to activate the RAT, and consequent loss of the RAT as a source of hydraulic and electrical power in an emergency situation.