AD 97-23-13 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 and A321 Series Airplanes

Models named: A320, A321 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A320 and A321 series airplanes, as specified in French airworthiness directive 96-171-083(B), dated August 28, 1996, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) 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 inability of the slide/slide raft to deploy due to a failure of the passenger door, which could delay or impede passengers when exiting the airplane during an emergency, accomplish the following: (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of each release cable at the left- and right-hand side of doors 1 and 4 for any discrepancy, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 25-12, Revision 1, dated March 21, 1996. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, replace the release cable in accordance with the AOT. Note 2: This AD supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a release cable, part number C37103-101 or C37103-103, on any airplane unless the release cable has been inspected to detect any discrepancy in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 25- 12, Revision 1, dated March 21, 1996. If any discrepancy is detected in accordance with the AOT, that release cable shall not be installed. (c) 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, International Branch, ANM-116. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 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. (e) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 25-12, Revision 1, dated March 21, 1996. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. [[Page 60647]] 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. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 96-171-083(B), dated August 28, 1996. (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 3, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-29446 Filed 11-10-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U