AD 98-03-03 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330 series, A340 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A330 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3042, Revision 1, dated September 19, 1995; and Model A340 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4066, Revision 1, dated September 19, 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 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 electrical short circuits to the free-fall actuators of the landing gear, which could result in failure to extend the landing gear, and consequent damage to the airplane structure during landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, inspect the free-fall actuators of the landing gear for [[Page 4376]] discrepancies, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32- 3042, Revision 1 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or A340-32-4066, Revision 1 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated September 19, 1995; as applicable. Prior to further flight, replace any discrepant actuator with a new, improved actuator in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-32-3042 and A340-32-4066 both reference LUCAS AEROSPACE Alert Service Bulletin AR024-A32-001, dated July 28, 1995, as an additional source of service information. (b) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, replace any free-fall actuator having a serial number specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3042, Revision 1 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-32-4066, Revision 1 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated September 19, 1995, with a new, improved actuator in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a free-fall actuator, type AR02403, AR02404, or AR02405 having a serial number specified in Lucas Aerospace Limited Service Bulletin AR024-A32-001, dated July 28, 1995. (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, 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 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. (e) 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. (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following Airbus service bulletins, which contain the specified list of effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service Bulletin Referenced and Revision Level Shown Date Page Number on Page Date Shown on Page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A330-32-3042,.................... 1-4, 9, 11, 13....... 1................... September 19, 1995 Revision 1, September 19, 1995............... 5-8, 10, 12, 14...... Original............ August 2, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A340-32-4066,.................... 1-5, 11, 13, 15...... 1................... September 19, 1995 Revision 1, September 19, 1995............... 6-10, 12, 14, 16..... Original............ August 2, 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. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 95-187-020(B) and 95-189-032(B), both dated September 27, 1995. (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 13, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-1972 Filed 1-28-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P