AD 2011-09-01 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) Within 800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a tap test and detailed inspection or a thermography inspection of the affected inner aileron panels at the left and right wings to detect any previously accomplished repairs performed in accordance with any de-validated structural repair manual (SRM) defined in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010; do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” (h) A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD if the repairs performed in accordance with de-validated SRM, defined in Airbus service bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010 (SRM revisions dated before January 2009), can be conclusively identified from that review. Repair (i) If any de-validated SRM repairs are found during any actions required by this AD, before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent). Parts Installation (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an inner aileron panel having a de-validated SRM repair as defined in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010, unless it is inspected as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD and all applicable corrective actions are done. FAA AD Differences Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (k) 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. (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 (l) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0056, dated March 29, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, excluding Appendix 1 and including Appendix 2, dated February 1, 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 April 8, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-9277 Filed 4-20-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P