AD 98-15-51 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A300, A310, A300-600, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes

Models named: A319, A320, A321, A300, A310, A300-600, A330, A340 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model A319, A320, A321, A300, A310, A300-600, A330, and A340 series airplanes, 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 prevent failure of the alternate braking system, which could result in the airplane overrunning the end of the runway during landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, perform an initial in-flight operational check of the alternate braking system, in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 32-19, dated July 7, 1998. Thereafter, perform repetitive in-flight [[Page 40807]] operational checks at intervals not to exceed 7 days. (1) If no discrepancy is found, continue the repetitive in- flight operational checks. (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, replace the brake dual distribution valve (BDDV) with a serviceable part, in accordance with AOT 32-19, dated July 7, 1998. Note 2: AOT 32-19, dated July 7, 1998, references the following Flight Operation Telexes (FOT's) as additional sources of service information: FOT 999.0062 (for Model A300 series airplanes), FOT 999.0061 (for Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes), FOT 999.059 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes), and FOT 999.0060 (for Model A330 and A340 series airplanes); all dated July 7, 1998. (b) Within 5 days after accomplishment of the initial in-flight operational check of the alternate braking system, or within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Submit a report to the manufacturer of all findings of the initial operational check to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical Support, Attention Mr. Zanderigo, AI/SE-E32; phone number 33 (0)5 61 93 40 38; fax number 33 (0)5 61 93 32 73; SITA code TLSBW7X. Thereafter, within 5 days after the accomplishment of any repetitive in-flight operational check of the alternate braking system, submit a report of any defective BDDV part to the Airbus address specified previously in this paragraph. 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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-116. 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. (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 Operator Telex (AOT) 32-19, dated July 7, 1998. 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 T98-263-120 (B), T98-263-255(B), T98-263- 075(B), and T98-263-092(B), all dated July 8, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 5, 1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T98-15-51, issued July 14, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 22, 1998. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-20224 Filed 7-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U