AD 98-06-24 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

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

Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, on which Airbus Modification 42409 has not been accomplished, 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 fatigue cracking in the fuselage frames, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Reinforce the joints for fuselage frames 53, 53.1, and 53.2, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3015, dated November 24, 1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4023, Revision 2, dated May 15, 1996 (for Model A340 series airplanes), as applicable; at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 43475 has been accomplished, and for Airbus Model A340 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 4,100 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 43475 has not been accomplished: Prior to the accumulation of 4,600 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (b) Reinforce the joints for fuselage frames 48 through 52 inclusive, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3015, dated November 24, 1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4023, Revision 2, dated May 15, 1996 (for Model A340 series airplanes), as applicable; at the time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 43475 has been accomplished, and for Airbus Model A340 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 13,500 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) For Airbus Model A330 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 43475 has not been accomplished: Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (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 actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3015, dated November 24, 1995, or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4023, Revision 2, dated May 15, 1996; as applicable. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4023, Revision 2, dated May 15, 1996, contains the following list of effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revision level shown on Page No. page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1, 2, 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5-7, 31-32, 83-87..... 2.......................... May 15, 1996. 8-10, 12, 14-18, 20-29, 33-82............. Original................... November 24, 1995. 11, 13, 19, 30............................ 1.......................... February 22, 1996. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 [[Page 13489]] 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 directives 96-006-024(B) and 96-005-039(B), both dated January 3, 1996. (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 6, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 10, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-6757 Filed 3-19-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U