AD 2007-09-09 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; all serial numbers fitted with MLG (main landing gear) retraction link Part Number (PN) 201489311 (LH (left-hand) side) or PN 201489312 (RH (right-hand) side). Reason (d) The MCAI states that during full-scale fatigue tests, the retraction link failed on the latest growth production standard MLG (main landing gear) prior to its expected life limit. Investigations confirm that the root cause of this premature fracture is due to high lug stress. The retraction link is included in the ALS (Airworthiness Limitation section) Part 1—Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Item—and currently limited to 35,200 flight cycles (FC). Its fracture causes un-damped extension of the MLG, potentially leading to loss of side stay integrity and then MLG collapse, which constitutes an unsafe condition. The aim of the MCAI is to mandate the reduced retraction link life limit and replacement of any retraction link that has exceeded this new limit.

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Prior to the accumulation of 8,300 total landings on the retraction link assembly or within 39 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the retraction link assembly in accordance with the instructions defined in Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006; as applicable. (2) Within 39 days after the effective date of this AD, report to Airbus the life accumulation information of each retraction link assembly affected by this AD in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006; as applicable. Note 1: This reduced life limit will be incorporated within the next revision of the Airbus A330/A340 ALS Part 1. 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 Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0324-E, dated October 20, 2006; and Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; and Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 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 23, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-8170 Filed 4-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Prior to the accumulation of 8,300 total landings on the retraction link assembly or within 39 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the retraction link assembly in accordance with the instructions defined in Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006; as applicable. (2) Within 39 days after the effective date of this AD, report to Airbus the life accumulation information of each retraction link assembly affected by this AD in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006; as applicable. Note 1: This reduced life limit will be incorporated within the next revision of the Airbus A330/A340 ALS Part 1. 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 Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0324-E, dated October 20, 2006; and Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; and Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A330-32A3208, dated October 18, 2006; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-32A4252, dated October 18, 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 23, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-8170 Filed 4-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P