AD 97-08-04 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 Series Airplanes

Models named: A320-111, -211, -212, -231 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1110, dated August 28, 1995; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 [[Page 17534]] owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent structural damage to the tail section of the airplane when it strikes the runway which, if undetected, could result in depressurization of the fuselage during flight, accomplish the following: (a) Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD, modify the fuselage by reinforcing frames 68 and 69 in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1110, dated August 28, 1995. (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 actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1110, dated August 28, 1995. 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. 97-9009 Filed 4-9-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U