AD 2006-21-07 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321 Airplanes

This AD applies to Airbus A321 aircraft, all certified models and serial numbers that are equipped with escape slides, part number (P/N) 62292-105, 62292-106, 62293-105, or 62293-106. Aircraft on which no modification/replacement of escape slides at doors 2 and 3 has been performed since embodiment of Airbus Modification 34989 in production are not affected by the requirements of this AD. Reason (d) Some cases of slide damage and deflation have been reported during deployment tests at doors 2 and 3 of the A321. Analysis has shown that the slide may inflate too fast compared to the associated door release. If there is a delay during the opening of the door, the inflatable slide may exercise pressure on this not yet opened door, which could result in damage to the inflatable slide. A slide not inflated correctly may disrupt passenger emergency evacuation. For such reason, this AD renders mandatory the removal of one of the two inflating vacuums in order to reduce the speed of the slide inflation.

Unless already done, do the following actions except as stated in paragraph (f) below: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the slides, P/N 62292-105, 62292-106, 62293-105, or 62293-106, in accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005. FAA AD Differences (f) None. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Safety Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Notification of Principal Inspector: 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. (3) Return to Airworthiness: When complying with this AD, perform FAA-approved corrective actions before returning the product to an airworthy condition. (4) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h)(1) This AD is related to MCAI French airworthiness directive F-2005-155, dated August 31, 2005, which references Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005, for information on required actions. (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005, refers to Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A321 005-25-15, dated May 30, 2005, as an additional source of service information for modifying the escape slides. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-17420 Filed 10-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions except as stated in paragraph (f) below: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the slides, P/N 62292-105, 62292-106, 62293-105, or 62293-106, in accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005. FAA AD Differences (f) None. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Safety Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Notification of Principal Inspector: 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. (3) Return to Airworthiness: When complying with this AD, perform FAA-approved corrective actions before returning the product to an airworthy condition. (4) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h)(1) This AD is related to MCAI French airworthiness directive F-2005-155, dated August 31, 2005, which references Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005, for information on required actions. (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005, refers to Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. A321 005-25-15, dated May 30, 2005, as an additional source of service information for modifying the escape slides. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1416, dated May 20, 2005, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 10, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-17420 Filed 10-18-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P