AD 98-01-17 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 Series Airplanes

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

Model A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 21574 (Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1139, Revision 1, dated December 30, 1994) or 21999 has not been installed, 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 (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 failure of the main landing gear (MLG) to retract properly as a result of failure of a capacitor in the landing gear circuitry and subsequent electrical power interruption, accomplish the following: (a) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, replace capacitor 57GA installed in electronic rack 90VU with a new electrolytic capacitor having a tantalum casing, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1139, Revision 1, dated December 30, 1994. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a capacitor having part number 57GA (without a tantalum casing) in the main landing gear circuitry on any airplane. (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, 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, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: 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 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. (e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1139, Revision 1, dated December 30, 1994, which contains the specified effective pages: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision level Page No. shown on page Date shown on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1, 5-8, 11.................... 1................ December 30, 1994. 2-4, 9, 10.................... Original......... September 20, 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 96-187-085(B)R2, dated January 29, 1997. (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 17, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 31, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-313 Filed 1-12-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U