AD 99-01-15 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, - 311, -312, and -313 Series Airplanes

Models named: A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, - 313 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and - 313 series airplanes; 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 (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. [[Page 1110]] To prevent the inadvertent opening of a thrust reverser door in the event of failure of the primary and secondary locks of the thrust reverser, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to the accumulation of 1,300 total flight hours, or within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform an operational test (inspection) to ensure proper operation of the actuator of the secondary locks of the thrust reversers, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-78-4012, Revision 01, dated December 19, 1996. Thereafter, repeat the operational test at intervals not to exceed 1,300 flight hours. Note 2: The Airbus service bulletin references ROHR Service Bulletin RA34078-47, Revision 1, dated November 30, 1996, which describes procedures for repetitive operational tests of the secondary locks of the thrust reversers, and corrective actions. The corrective actions involve replacement of the actuator of the secondary lock with a new or serviceable actuator, if necessary. (b) For airplanes on which Airbus Modifications 45150 and 45486 has been installed, or on which Airbus Service Bulletin A340-78- 4013, dated May 26, 1997, has been accomplished: Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight hours, or within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform an operational test (inspection) as required in paragraph (a) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the operational test at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours. (c) If any discrepancy is detected during any operational test (inspection) required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the actuator of the secondary lock with a new or serviceable actuator, in accordance with ROHR Service Bulletin RA34078-47, Revision 1, dated November 30, 1996. (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 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) The operational tests shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-78-4012, Revision 01, dated December 19, 1996. The replacement shall be done in accordance with ROHR Service Bulletin RA34078-47, Revision 1, dated November 30, 1996, which contains the specified list of effective pages: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision level shown on Page No. page Date shown on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1, 5, 6................ 1...................... November 30, 1996. 2-4, 7................. Original............... September 16, 1996. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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; and ROHR, Inc., 850 Lagoon Drive, Chula Vista, California 91912. 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 96-245-050(B)R1, dated April 8, 1998. (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 25, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-51 Filed 1-7-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U