AD 99-02-03 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 Modification 22119 or 21999 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 the trickling of water into the avionics compartment, which could result in avionics computer and equipment malfunctions, accomplish the following: (a) Except for airplanes on which the access door has been removed, sealed, or blocked in accordance with Airbus Service Information Letter 53-052, dated August 30, 1991; or in accordance with a method approved by the FAA: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, install a rubber strip, and replace the connection sheets and the seal retainer on the avionics compartment access door with new parts, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1070, Revision 6, dated July 18, 1995. Note 2: Accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1070, Revision 4, 5, 7, or 8, is acceptable for compliance to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. (b) Within 3 years after the effective date of this AD, install drip pans and additional drain gutters on the avionics racks in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-1054, Revision 2, dated September 22, 1993. Note 3: Accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-1054, Revision 1, 3, or 4, is acceptable for compliance to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. Note 4: Accomplishment of Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-25-1186, dated December 1, 1997, also is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. (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, 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 5: Information concerning the existence of other 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 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. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1070, Revision 6, dated July 18, 1995, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-1054, Revision 2, dated September 22, 1993. These Airbus service bulletins contain the following list of effective pages: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service bulletin reference and Revision level shown on date Page No. page Date shown on page ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A320-24-1054, Revision 2, 1-5, 7-40.............. 2...................... September 22, 1993. September 22, 1993. September 22, 1993............. 6...................... Original............... January 20, 1992. A320-53-1070, Revision 6, July 1-3, 5, 7-12........... 6...................... July 18, 1995. 18, 1995. 4...................... 2...................... November 10, 1992. 6, 13-16, 18........... 4...................... June 15, 1993. 17..................... 5...................... October 4, 1993. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. [[Page 2555]] 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 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 96-011-075(B), dated January 3, 1996, and 96-040-076(B), dated February 14, 1996. (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 19, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 7, 1999. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-812 Filed 1-14-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P