AD 98-25-51 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series Airplanes Equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 or 4000 Series Engines

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

Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 or PW4000 series engines; 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 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 inflight deployment of a thrust reverser, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane; accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 4 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, deactivate both thrust reversers in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 78-08, dated November 30, 1998. (b) Within the next 4 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following: The takeoff performance on wet and contaminated runways with thrust reversers deactivated shall be determined in accordance with Airbus Flight Operations Telex (FOT) 999.0124/98, dated November 30, 1998, as follows: For takeoff on wet runways, use performance data in accordance with paragraph 4.1 of the FOT. For takeoff on contaminated runways, use performance data in accordance with paragraph 4.2 of the FOT. [Note: This supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).] Note 2: The ``FCOM'' referenced in Airbus Flight Operations Telex (FOT) 999.0124/98, dated November 30, 1998, is Airbus Industrie Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM), Revision 27 for Airbus Model A310 series airplanes and Revision 22 for A300-600 series airplanes. [The revision number is indicated on the List of Effective Pages (LEP) of the FCOM.] (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 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. (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 deactivation of both thrust reversers shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 78-08, dated November 30, 1998. 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 T98-477-273 (B), dated November 30, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T98-25-51, issued on December 2, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 15, 1998. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-33693 Filed 12-21-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P