AD 98-20-16 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes

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

Model A300 series airplanes on which a stowage box located forward of galley 2 is installed; and on which Airbus Industrie Modification 5105 (Airbus Service Bulletin A300-25-395, dated March 22, 1984) 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 failure of the struts for the stowage box located forward of galley 2, which could result in displacement of the stowage box, and possible injury to passengers and flight crew, accomplish the following: (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the struts for the stowage box located forward of galley 2, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-25-395, dated March 22, 1984, as revised by Change Notices OB, dated June 2, 1985, and OC, dated June 20, 1988. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a strut, part number (P/N) A2527979620000, on the stowage box located forward of galley 2. (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 modification shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-25-395, dated March 22, 1984, as revised by Change Notice OB, dated June 2, 1985, and Change Notice OC, dated June 20, 1988. 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 97-359-233(B), dated November 19, 1997. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 1998. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-25122 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U