AD 2011-08-03 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.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection of the aft hinge forward attachment fittings of the right and left NLG aft doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010. (1) For airplanes having accumulated less than 1,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles or within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) For airplanes having accumulated 1,000 or more total flight cycles, but less than 2,500 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. (3) For airplanes having accumulated 2,500 or more total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. Repetitive Inspection (h) If no cracking is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, repeat the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles. (i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight, perform a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the forward and aft attachment fittings of the aft hinge on the affected aft NLG door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010. Repair (j) If an additional crack finding is made during any HFEC inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010. (k) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Repeat the HFEC inspection specified in paragraph (i) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 flight cycles; or perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection for cracking thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 flight cycles, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010, until the replacement required by paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD is done. (1) If an additional crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (k) of this AD, before further flight, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010. (2) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, or repetitive HFEC inspection or fluorescent penetrant inspection required by paragraph (k) of this AD: Within 20 flight cycles after finding a crack during the most recent inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010. (l) For airplanes on which the forward fitting of the aft hinge of the NLG aft door is replaced in accordance with paragraph (j) or (k) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 flight cycles on the forward fitting, perform the detailed inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter the applicable repetitive inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, and apply the applicable actions required in paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this AD. Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information (m) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, dated February 1, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 01, dated March 30, 2010; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD. FAA AD Differences Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: The MCAI does not specify corrective action if cracking is found during a fluorescent penetrant inspection. This AD specifies replacing both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected nose landing gear aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010. Other FAA AD Provisions (n) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it 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. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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. Related Information (o) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0028, dated February 23, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (p) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, excluding Appendix 01 and including Appendix 02, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010, 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 SAS—Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; 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 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. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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 March 25, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-8278 Filed 4-12-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P