AD 98-20-29 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A320 Series Airplanes

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

Model A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Industrie Modification [[Page 51277]] 23132, 24348, or 24511 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 (d)(1) 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 pitch-up of the airplane due to activation of the spoilers during an automatic landing, which, if not corrected, could result in tail strikes and structural damage to the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 60 days after October 9, 1992 (the effective date of AD 92-19-13, amendment 39-8371), revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. ``Use of automatic landing in configuration 3 (CONF 3) is prohibited.'' (b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the FAA-approved Airbus A320 AFM by inserting Airbus A319/320/321 AFM Temporary Revision 9.99.99/02, Issue 02, dated April 8, 1997, into the AFM. After revising the AFM, the AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM. (c) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. After the actions specified by paragraph (c) of this AD have been accomplished, the AFM revision required by paragraph (b) of this AD (Airbus A320 AFM Temporary Revision 9.99.99/02, Issue 02, dated April 8, 1997) may be removed from the AFM. (1) Replace the existing spoiler elevator computers (SEC's) in the aft and forward electronics racks with new, improved SEC's, in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-27-1081, Revision 2, dated September 6, 1995; or A320-27-1073, dated January 20, 1995; as applicable. (2) After the accomplishment of the actions specified by paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, revise Section 5.06.00 of the Airbus A320 AFM by inserting Section 5.06.00, page 06, dated February 10, 1996, and page 6A, dated January 20, 1997. Note 2: Operators should ensure that the units in which the distance measurements are listed in AFM Section 5.06.00, pages 06 and 6A, are consistent with the units of measurement that the operators use in their operations. (d)(1) 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. (d)(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 92-19-13, amendment 39-8371, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD. 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. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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. (f) Except as provided by paragraphs (a) and (c)(2) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus A319/320/321 AFM Temporary Revision (TR) 9.99.99/02, Issue 02, dated April 8, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1081, Revision 2, dated September 6, 1995; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1073, dated January 20, 1995; as applicable. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1081, Revision 2, dated September 6, 1995, contains the following list of effective pages: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision level Page No. shown on page Date shown on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1, 3, 4, 6-10, 13-15............ 2................. Sept. 6, 1995. 2, 5, 11, 12.................... Original.......... Jan. 16, 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 directive 93-203-049(B)R3, dated July 2, 1997. (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 30, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 17, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-25472 Filed 9-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U