AD 2011-09-13 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers except those on which Airbus Modification 49203 has been incorporated in production.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Ultrasonic Inspection (g) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Perform an ultrasonic inspection of pylon pyramid attachment areas at the aft end of the lower arms between Rib 1 and Rib 2 without fastener removal (2 fastener locations per pylon), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-54-4010, dated July 21, 2008. (1) Before the accumulation of the applicable total flight cycles or total flight hours, whichever occurs first, specified in table 1 of this AD. (2) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. Table 1—Initial Inspection Compliance Times Weight variant Total flight cycles Total flight hours 000 through 004 13,000 60,000 020, 021, 023 through 026, 028 through 030, Pre 49203 11,470 77,400 027 11,000 30,000 (h) For airplanes belonging to weight variant 000 through 004 inspected before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airworthiness Limitations Items (ALI) Task 545104-01-01, as described in Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations Items Document Ref: AI/SE-M4/95A.0051/97, Issue 10, dated February 1, 2007: Perform the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD at the compliance times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, whichever occurs later. (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) Within 2,680 flight cycles or 19,200 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the most recent rototest inspection done in accordance with ALI task 545104-01-01, but not to exceed the accumulation of 15,280 total flight cycles or 76,400 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (i) If no cracking is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Repeat the inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed the earlier of the applicable flight cycles or flight hours interval specified in table 2 of this AD. Table 2—Repetitive Inspection Interval Weight variant Flight cycles Flight hours 000 through 004 1,900 9,500 020, 021, 023 through 026, 028 through 030, Pre 49203 1,700 8,500 027 1,700 8,500 (j) If any crack is detected during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, repair the cracking using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). FAA AD Differences Note 1: 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. 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) Special Flight Permits: Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed if any crack is detected during any inspection required by this AD. Related Information (l) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2008-0140, dated July 28, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-54-4010, dated July 21, 2008; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-54-4010, including Appendices 1, 2, and 3, dated July 21, 2008, 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 15, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-9921 Filed 4-29-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P