AD 2007-03-04 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330-200, A330-300 series, A340-200, A340-300 series, A340-500, A340-600 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the following airplanes: (1) Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes, all certified models, certificated in any category, all serial numbers; except those on which Airbus modification 49353 has been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3082 has been embodied in service on both wings; and except those that have been repaired on both wings as per Airbus UK Limited Repair Drawing R572-56230, or Airbus A330 Structural Repair Manual 57-26-13, page block 201. (2) Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes, all certified models, certificated in any category, all serial numbers; except those on which Airbus modification 49353 has been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4088 has been embodied in service on both wings; and except those that have been repaired on both wings as per Airbus UK Limited Repair Drawing R572-56230, or Airbus A340 Structural Repair Manual 57-26-13, page block 201. (3) Airbus Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes, all certified models, certificated in any category, all serial numbers; except those on which Airbus modification 50040 or 51585 has been embodied in production. Reason (d) EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0364-E, dated December 6, 2006, states that during MLG lubrication, a crack has been found visually in the MLG (main landing gear) rib 6 aft bearing forward lug on one A330 in-service aircraft. The crack has extended through the entire thickness of the forward lug at approximately the 4 o'clock position (when looking forward). (Similar cracks have been found on MLGs with similar configurations on other Airbus airplane models). The investigations are ongoing to determine the root causes of this event and to define the appropriate corrective actions. This situation, if not corrected, could affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, which constitutes an unsafe condition. The aim of the MCAI is to mandate repetitive detailed visual inspections of the LH (left-hand) and RH (right-hand) wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs as the first step before finalization of the investigations, and replacement of MLG rib 6 if a crack is detected.

Unless already done, do the following actions in accordance with the instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3096, dated December 5, 2006; A340-57A4104, dated December 5, 2006; or A340-57A5009, dated December 5, 2006; as applicable. (1) Within 60 months since first flight, or 14 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed visual inspection of the LH (left-hand) and RH (right-hand) wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs (forward and aft) to detect any cracks on the two lugs. (2) If any crack is detected, contact Airbus immediately and proceed with the replacement of the MLG rib 6 before further flight. (3) If no crack is detected, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed the applicable interval specified in paragraph (e)(3)(i), (e)(3)(ii), or (e)(3)(iii) of this AD, and if a crack is detected during the repeat inspections, before further flight, apply the corrective action mentioned in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD as applicable. (i) 300 flight cycles (FC) for Model A330 airplanes. (ii) 200 FC for Model A340-200 and A340-300 airplanes. (iii) 100 FC for Model A340-500 and A340-600 airplanes. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Attn: Tim Backman, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 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. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (4) Special Flight Permits: We are not allowing special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199). Related Information (g) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0364-E, dated December 6, 2006; and Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57A3096, A340-57A4104, and A340-57A5009, all dated December 5, 2006; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of this AD 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; 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Table 1.—Material Incorporated by Reference Airbus service bulletin Revision Date A330-57A3096 Original December 5, 2006. A340-57A4104 Original December 5, 2006. A340-57A5009 Original December 5, 2006. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 23, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1394 Filed 1-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions in accordance with the instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3096, dated December 5, 2006; A340-57A4104, dated December 5, 2006; or A340-57A5009, dated December 5, 2006; as applicable. (1) Within 60 months since first flight, or 14 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed visual inspection of the LH (left-hand) and RH (right-hand) wing MLG rib 6 aft bearing lugs (forward and aft) to detect any cracks on the two lugs. (2) If any crack is detected, contact Airbus immediately and proceed with the replacement of the MLG rib 6 before further flight. (3) If no crack is detected, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed the applicable interval specified in paragraph (e)(3)(i), (e)(3)(ii), or (e)(3)(iii) of this AD, and if a crack is detected during the repeat inspections, before further flight, apply the corrective action mentioned in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD as applicable. (i) 300 flight cycles (FC) for Model A330 airplanes. (ii) 200 FC for Model A340-200 and A340-300 airplanes. (iii) 100 FC for Model A340-500 and A340-600 airplanes. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Attn: Tim Backman, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 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. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (4) Special Flight Permits: We are not allowing special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199). Related Information (g) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0364-E, dated December 6, 2006; and Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57A3096, A340-57A4104, and A340-57A5009, all dated December 5, 2006; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of this AD 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; 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Table 1.—Material Incorporated by Reference Airbus service bulletin Revision Date A330-57A3096 Original December 5, 2006. A340-57A4104 Original December 5, 2006. A340-57A5009 Original December 5, 2006. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 23, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1394 Filed 1-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P