AD 98-21-32 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 Airbus Modification 11527 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) 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 corrosion of the ram air turbine (RAT) uplock pin/ shaft and needle, which could result in failure of the RAT to deploy and consequent loss of emergency hydraulic power to the flight controls in the event that power is lost in both engines, accomplish the following: Restatement of the Requirements of AD 97-22-06 (a) Within 30 months since the date of manufacture, or within 3 months after December 2, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-22-06, amendment 39-10177), whichever occurs later, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat these actions at intervals not to exceed 30 months. (1) Perform a RAT extension test on the ground, in accordance with the procedures specified in the Airplane Maintenance Manual. (2) Disassemble and remove the uplock mechanism of the RAT and perform a visual inspection of the uplock mechanism to detect corrosion, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-2076, dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-29- 6037, dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); as applicable. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, the RAT uplock mechanism includes both the lever assembly and uplock unit. (i) If no corrosion is detected: Prior to further flight, clean and lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated parts, reinstall the assembly, and perform a retraction/extension/ retraction of the RAT, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. (ii) If any corrosion is detected in any part of the uplock mechanism, prior to further flight, accomplish either paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. (A) Replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and perform a retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Or (B) Clean and lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated parts. Within 30 days following accomplishment of this cleaning and lubrication, replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and perform a retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT. (b) Initial accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD that have been performed in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex 29-16, Revision 01, dated January 10, 1996, is considered acceptable for compliance with the initial RAT extension test and an initial visual inspection as required by paragraph (a) of this AD. However, the first repetitive inspection, as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, must be performed within 30 months after that RAT extension test and visual inspection were conducted, and repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 months. New Requirements of This AD (c) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the RAT unlocking control unit in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0109 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29- 2077 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-29-6038 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 27, 1997; as applicable. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive test and inspection requirements of this AD. (d) 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 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 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 paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29- 2076, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6037, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0109, dated January 27, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2077, dated January 27, 1997; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6038; dated January 27, 1997; as applicable. [[Page 55522]] (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0109, dated January 27, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310- 29-2077, dated January 27, 1997; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300- 29-6038; dated January 27, 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 Service Bulletin A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29- 2076, dated April 1, 1996; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6037, dated April 1, 1996; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 2, 1997 (62 FR 55726, October 28, 1997). (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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 95-163-182(B)R3, dated May 7, 1997. (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-27482 Filed 10-15-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U