AD 97-08-03 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series Airplanes

Models named: A310, A300-600 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 6403 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26- 2010 or A300-600-26-6011) has been installed; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it otherwise has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To ensure that a faulty pressure reducing valve in the cargo fire extinguishing system is not installed, which could result in reduced fire protection of the cargo compartment of the airplane from 260 minutes to 60 minutes, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 600 total flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a functional flow test and leak test to verify if the pressure reducing valve in the cargo fire extinguishing system is in a serviceable condition, in accordance with paragraph 4.2., Description, of Airbus All Operators Telex AOT 26-13, dated June 28, 1994. If a faulty pressure reducing valve is installed, prior to extended range twin-engine operations (ETOPS), replace it with a new valve, in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual, reference 26-23-14, Page block 401. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The tests shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex AOT 26-13, dated June 28, 1994. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 15, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 2, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-9011 Filed 4-9-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U