AD 2010-05-06 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes

Models named: A340-541, -642. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any category; all serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 56026 has been accomplished in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5010 has been accomplished in service.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Actions (g) Do the following actions. (1) At the applicable time specified in the table titled, “THRESHOLDS” in paragraph 1.E.(2) of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5011, dated June 27, 2007, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later; except that where the table expresses times in terms of “flight cycles” and “flight hours,” those terms mean “total flight cycles” and “total flight hours” for purposes of this AD: Perform the NDT inspections of the cruciform fitting radius at Frame 47 on the right-hand and left-hand sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5011, dated June 27, 2007. (2) Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD using Appendix 01 of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5011, dated June 27, 2007, to Airbus, Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, Attn: SDC32 Technical Data and Documentation Services; fax (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; e-mail sb.reporting@airbus.com ; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (ii) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) If no crack is detected during an inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, apply sealant before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5011, dated June 27, 2007. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD thereafter at the applicable interval specified in paragraph 1.E.(2) of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5011, dated June 27, 2007. (4) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, contact Airbus to get repair instructions and repair before further flight. (5) Modifying the rear spar vertical cruciform at frame 47 in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5010, Revision 01, dated April 2, 2008, terminates the inspection requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD. (6) After accomplishing the initial inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD or after the modification specified in paragraph (g)(5) of this AD is done, the limitation Tasks 57.18.16 (10 different tasks) of Airbus A340-500/600 Airworthiness Limitation Items need not be done. (7) Modifying the rear spar vertical cruciform at frame 47 is also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g)(5) of this AD if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5010, dated September 28, 2007. FAA AD Differences Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2007-0207R1, dated November 7, 2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5010, Revision 01, dated April 2, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5011, dated June 27, 2007; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5011, including Appendix 01, dated June 27, 2007, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. If you accomplish the optional actions specified by this AD, you must use Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5010, Revision 01, dated April 2, 2008, to perform those actions, 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 SAS—Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; e-mail airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com ; Internet http://www.airbus.com . (3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 16, 2010. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-3485 Filed 2-24-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P