AD 98-19-18 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310, A300-600, and A320 Series Airplanes

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

Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 10156 has not been accomplished (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-2023 or A300-26-6024), and Model A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 22561 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1017) or Airbus Modification 24548 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1037) 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 obstructions in the air extraction system of the lavatory, which may result in the failure of the smoke detection [[Page 49423]] system to detect smoke in the lavatories, accomplish the following: Restatement of Requirements of AD 95-04-12 (a) Within 450 flight hours after March 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-04-12), perform an inspection of each lavatory to verify proper installation of the grill over the air extraction duct of the lavatories, and to detect blockage in the air extraction duct of the lavatories, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 26-12, Revision 1, dated July 4, 1994. (1) If the grill is found to be properly installed and if no blockage is found, repeat the inspection thereafter whenever the cover over the air extraction duct of the lavatories or any ceiling louver (grill) of the ceiling light in the lavatory is removed or replaced for any reason. (2) If the grill is found to be improperly installed and/or if blockage is found, prior to further flight, correct any discrepancies found, in accordance with Airbus AOT 26-12, Revision 1, dated July 4, 1994. Repeat the inspection thereafter whenever the cover over the air extraction duct of the lavatories or any ceiling louver (grill) of the ceiling light in the lavatory is removed or replaced for any reason. New Requirements of This AD (b) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, modify the grill of the air extraction duct of the lavatory, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-2030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A300-26-6030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A320-26-1037, Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997 (for Model A320 series airplanes); as applicable. Accomplishment of the modification constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. (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 Secs. 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 AOT 26- 12, Revision 1, dated July 4, 1994; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26- 2030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-26-6030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1037, Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997; as applicable. (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-2030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-26-6030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1037, Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus AOT 26-12, Revision 1, dated July 4, 1994, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 17, 1995 (60 FR 11619, March 2, 1995). (3) 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 directives 96-186-204(B)R1, dated January 15, 1997, and 96-007-073(B), dated January 3, 1996. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 21, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 9, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-24657 Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U