AD 2007-04-05 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes

Models named: A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, A300 B4-605R, B4-622R, A300 C4-605R Variant F, A300 B4-220, A300 B4-203, A300 B2-203. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus A300 airplanes, all certified models and all serial numbers, certificated in any category, except for: (1) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes, Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes, A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. (2) Airbus Models A300 B4-220, A300 B4-203, and A300 B2-203 airplanes in forward facing crew cockpit certified configuration.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Restatement of Requirements of AD 2005-13-33 Modification (f) Within 20 months after August 1, 2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-13-33), modify the wiring of the autopilot pitch torque limiter switch, by doing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0117, dated September 7, 2004; Revision 01, dated April 20, 2005; or Revision 02, dated September 14, 2005. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 02 may be used. New Requirements of This AD Repetitive Operational Tests (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Do an operational test of the autopilot disconnection upon pitch override, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions. Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0118, excluding Appendix 01, dated May 18, 2005; except that this AD does not require a report of the inspection results. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours. (1) For airplanes modified before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0117, dated September 7, 2004: Do the initial test within 2,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes modified in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0117, Revision 01, dated April 20, 2005; or Revision 02, dated September 14, 2005: Do the initial test within 2,000 flight hours after the modification required by paragraph (f) of this AD, or within 2,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(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. (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2005-13-33 are not approved as AMOCs with this AD. Related Information (i) French airworthiness directive F-2005-107, dated July 6, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the service information identified in Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. Table 1.—All Material Incorporated by Reference Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date A300-22-0117 Original September 7, 2004. A300-22-0117 01 April 20, 2005. A300-22-0117 02 September 14, 2005. A300-22-0118, excluding Appendix 01 Original May 18, 2005. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the documents identified in Table 2 of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Table 2.—New Material Incorporated by Reference Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date A300-22-0117 01 April 20, 2005. A300-22-0117 02 September 14, 2005. A300-22-0118, excluding Appendix 01 Original May 18, 2005. (2) On August 1, 2005 (70 FR 36833, June 27, 2005), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0117, dated September 7, 2004. (3) 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 February 5, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-2412 Filed 2-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from the determination that repetitive operational tests are necessary following incorporation of the wiring modification required by AD 2005-13-33. We are issuing this AD to prevent possible trim loss when the flightcrew tries to override the autopilot pitch control, which could result in uncontrolled flight of the airplane.