AD 2007-08-05 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes, all certified models, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, on which Airbus Modification 42061 or 46077 or 53604 has been embodied in production and delivered before December 31, 2005. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states that an A330 operator has reported a shroud box bottom panel missing during routine inspection. The same panel detached from an A330 aircraft during take-off, causing damages to the surrounding structure and to the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) tip fairing. Preliminary inspection has shown that the blind rivets used to attach the panel worked loose causing the panel to suffer fatigue damage with a crack propagation through the fastener line resulting in panel detachment. To avoid potential injuries to persons on ground, the MCAI requires a one time detailed visual inspection of the shroud box bottom panel for cracks in the panel and for missing and loose fasteners, and applicable repairs.

Unless already done, do the following actions. Within the threshold specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD and in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3092, dated February 3, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57A4101, dated February 3, 2006; as applicable: Perform a one-time detailed inspection of the shroud box bottom panel for cracks, fasteners missing or loose, damage, and marks; and apply all applicable corrective actions. Do applicable corrective actions before further flight. The inspections results, whatever they are, must be reported to Airbus. (1) For Model A330 airplanes: Whichever occurs later between paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to the accumulation of 1,200 flight cycles or 2,400 flight hours from the first flight of the aircraft, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 6 months or 1,200 flight hours, whichever occurs first, following the effective date of this AD. (2) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes: Whichever occurs later between paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (e)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to the accumulation of 1,200 flight cycles or 4,800 flight hours from the first flight of the aircraft, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 6 months or 2,400 flight hours, whichever occurs first, following the effective date of this AD. 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: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 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. Related Information (g) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0107, dated May 12, 2006, and Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57A3092 and A340-57A4101, both dated February 3, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3092, dated February 3, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57A4101, dated February 3, 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 April 4, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-6931 Filed 4-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions. Within the threshold specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD and in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3092, dated February 3, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57A4101, dated February 3, 2006; as applicable: Perform a one-time detailed inspection of the shroud box bottom panel for cracks, fasteners missing or loose, damage, and marks; and apply all applicable corrective actions. Do applicable corrective actions before further flight. The inspections results, whatever they are, must be reported to Airbus. (1) For Model A330 airplanes: Whichever occurs later between paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to the accumulation of 1,200 flight cycles or 2,400 flight hours from the first flight of the aircraft, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 6 months or 1,200 flight hours, whichever occurs first, following the effective date of this AD. (2) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes: Whichever occurs later between paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (e)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to the accumulation of 1,200 flight cycles or 4,800 flight hours from the first flight of the aircraft, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 6 months or 2,400 flight hours, whichever occurs first, following the effective date of this AD. 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: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 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. Related Information (g) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0107, dated May 12, 2006, and Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57A3092 and A340-57A4101, both dated February 3, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57A3092, dated February 3, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57A4101, dated February 3, 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 April 4, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-6931 Filed 4-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P