AD 98-16-09 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 Series Airplanes

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

Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes; on which any fire shut-off valve (FSOV) having part number (P/N) B38LC37XX or B38LC50XX (where XX is 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, or 10) is installed; 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 [[Page 40812]] 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 failure of the FSOV's to close, which would result in failure of the engine fire shut-off system, and consequently inability to extinguish an engine fire, accomplish the following: (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time operational test of the 4 fire shut-off valves (FSOV's) on the airplane, in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-22, dated November 24, 1997. If any FSOV fails the test, prior to further flight, replace the failed FSOV or actuator, as applicable, with a new or serviceable FSOV or actuator, as applicable, in accordance with AOT 29-22. (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. (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-22, dated November 24, 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 airworthiness directive 97-384-241(B)R1, dated January 14, 1998. (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 4, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 24, 1998. S.R. Miller, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-20432 Filed 7-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U