AD 2007-03-18 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 and A300-600 Airplanes

Models named: A300, A300-600, A310 in-service, A310. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 and A300-600 airplanes; certificated in any category, all certified models, all serial numbers except for those where LH (left-hand) and RH (right-hand) wing MLG (main landing gear) rib 5 forward lugs have been repaired by installation of oversized interference fit bushings as per drawing R57240221. Reason (d) The MCAI states that during routine visual inspection, a crack has been found in the wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lug on two Model A310 in-service aircraft. Laboratory examination of one of the cracked ribs confirmed that the crack is due to the presence of pitting corrosion in the forward lug holes. Also, on both aircraft medium to heavy corrosion was found in the forward lugs on the opposite wing after removal of the bushings. On December 7, 2006, we issued AD 2007-02-09, amendment 39-14896 (72 FR 2612, January 22, 2007), to address this unsafe condition on Model A310 airplanes. Similar to Model A310 aircraft, the Model A300 and A300-600 aircraft are also affected by this situation, which, if not detected, could affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment. The aim of the MCAI is to mandate repetitive detailed visual inspections of wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs for detection of through cracks and corrective action (contacting Airbus and replacing cracked lugs if necessary). The MCAI notes that for Airbus Model A310 aircraft, refer to EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0335-E, issued November 3, 2006.

Unless already done, do the following actions specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of this AD in accordance with instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57A6105, dated December 12, 2006; or A300-57A0248, dated December 12, 2006; as applicable. (1) Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles since new or since the most recent MLG rib 5 replacement if applicable, or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest: Perform a detailed visual inspection of the LH and RH wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs. (2) If a crack is detected at the LH and/or RH aft bearing forward lug, contact Airbus immediately and proceed with the replacement before further flight. (3) Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles. 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Tom Stafford, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356, 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 MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0372-E, dated December 14, 2006; and Airbus Service Bulletins A300-57A0248 and A300-57A6105, both including Appendix 01, both dated December 12, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57A0248, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 12, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57A6105, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 12, 2006; as applicable; 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 26, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1883 Filed 2-7-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and (e)(3) of this AD in accordance with instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57A6105, dated December 12, 2006; or A300-57A0248, dated December 12, 2006; as applicable. (1) Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles since new or since the most recent MLG rib 5 replacement if applicable, or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest: Perform a detailed visual inspection of the LH and RH wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs. (2) If a crack is detected at the LH and/or RH aft bearing forward lug, contact Airbus immediately and proceed with the replacement before further flight. (3) Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles. 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Tom Stafford, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356, 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 MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0372-E, dated December 14, 2006; and Airbus Service Bulletins A300-57A0248 and A300-57A6105, both including Appendix 01, both dated December 12, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57A0248, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 12, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57A6105, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 12, 2006; as applicable; 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 26, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1883 Filed 2-7-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P