AD 98-12-24 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes Equipped With General Electric Model CF6-80A3 Series Engines

Models named: A310 series, CF6-80A3 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A310 series airplanes, equipped with General Electric Model CF6-80A3 series engines; 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 detect and correct cracking of the links of the aft engine mounts, which could result in failure of the aft engine attachment and consequent separation of the engine from the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect cracked or broken links of the aft engine mounts, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 71 06, dated October 21, 1997. If any cracked or broken link is detected, prior to further flight, replace the cracked or broken link with a serviceable link, in accordance with the AOT. (b) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, submit a report of the inspection results (positive and negative) to Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (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 All Operators Telex 71 06, dated October 21, 1997. 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 telegraphic airworthiness directive T97-324-234(B), dated October 22, 1997, and airworthiness directive 97-324-234(B), dated November 5, 1997. (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 25, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15250 Filed 6-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U