AD 98-04-44 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340 Series Airplanes

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

Model A340 series airplanes; as listed in Airbus Service Bulletins A340-53-4070, Revision 1, dated July 18, 1997, and A340-53-4031, Revision 1, dated June 10, 1997; 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 (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 detachment of the center main landing gear (MLG) door during flight, which could pose a hazard to persons or property on the ground, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 8,400 total flight cycles, or within the next 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, accomplish either (a)(1) or (a)(2) below, as applicable: (1) For airplanes listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53- 4070, Revision 1, dated July 18, 1997: Replace the groove pins on the doors of the center MLG with new pins, modify the bolt head, and install an antirotation plate; in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) For airplanes listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53- 4031, Revision 1, dated June 10, 1997: Modify the hinge pins on the doors of the center MLG by installing oversize bolts; in accordance with the service bulletin. (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, 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. (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. [[Page 9934]] (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4070, Revision 1, dated July 18, 1997, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4031, Revision 1, dated June 10, 1997, as applicable. 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 97-114-060(B), dated May 7, 1997. (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 16, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 12, 1998. Gilbert L. Thompson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-4246 Filed 2-26-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P