AD 97-20-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 Series Airplanes

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

All Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes, 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 owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) 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 the bearings in the mechanical control linkage of the nose landing gear (NLG) free-fall mechanism from seizing, which could lead to the loss of NLG free-fall extension capability, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, conduct an inspection to determine whether carbon steel or stainless steel bearings are installed in the mechanical control linkage of the NLG free-fall mechanism, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-0418 (for Model A300 series airplanes), A300-32-6061 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), or A310-32-2098 (for Model A310 series airplanes), all Revision 1, all dated April 29, 1996. (b) If stainless steel bearings are installed, prior to further flight, conduct a test to ensure that the NLG free-fall mechanism extends properly, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300- 32-0418 (for Model A300 series airplanes), A300-32-6061 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), or A310-32-2098 (for Model A310 series airplanes), all Revision 1, all dated April 29, 1996. (c) If carbon steel bearings are installed, prior to further flight, replace them with stainless steel bearings, and conduct a test to ensure that the NLG free-fall mechanism extends properly, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-0418 (for Model A300 series airplanes), A300-32-6061 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), or A310-32-2098 (for Model A310 series airplanes), all Revision 1, all dated April 29, 1996. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Airbus service bulletins, which contain the specified effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service bulletin referenced and date Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A300-32-0418, Revision 1, April 29, 1-6, 10-13 1 Original................... April 29, 1996. 1996. 7-9, 14-23 October 5, 1995. A310-31-2098, Revision 1, April 29, 1-6, 8, 9, 11-14 1 Original................... April 29, 1996. 1996. 7, 10, 15-25 October 5, 1995. A300-32-6061, Revision 1, April 29, 1-5, 8, 9, 11-14 1 Original................... April 29, 1996. 1996. 6, 7, 10, 15-25 October 5, 1995. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 51019]] 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 4, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 17, 1997. James V. Devany, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-25167 Filed 9-29-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P