AD 99-16-07 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

Models named: A310-200 series, A310-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A310-200 series airplanes, on which Airbus Modification 4800 or 4906 has been accomplished; and Model A310-300 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 11758 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. [[Page 43051]] 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 reduced structural integrity of the support brackets of the upper wing-to-fuselage fairing, which could result in loss of the wing-to-fuselage fairings during flight, and consequent structural damage to the airplane, accomplish the following: Initial/Repetitive Inspections (a) Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total flight hours or within 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect cracked or broken support brackets of the upper wing-to- fuselage fairings, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310- 53-2078, Revision 1, dated March 24, 1997. Repeat the detailed visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight hours. Corrective Action (b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant support bracket with a new bracket in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2078, Revision 1, dated March 24, 1997. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight hours. Terminating Action (c) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. (1) Perform the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2078, Revision 1, dated March 24, 1997. (2) Replace the fairing seals with new, improved seals; modify the fairing panels; and install new bulkheads; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2083, Revision 02, dated May 5, 1998. Accomplishment of these actions constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (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. Incorporation by Reference (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2078, Revision 1, dated March 24, 1997, and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2083, Revision 02, dated May 5, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 97-175-228(B) R1 and 98-450-261(B), both dated November 18, 1998. (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 13, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 28, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-20061 Filed 8-6-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U