AD 99-21-04 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-301, and Model A340- 211, -212, -311, and -312 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330-301 series, A340-211, -212, -311, -312 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A330-301 series airplanes, except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 42332 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995) has been accomplished; and Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 series airplanes, except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 42331 or 42332 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4020, dated June 26, 1995), has 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 detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage belly fairing support structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage belly fairing support structure, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspection (a) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection of the fuselage belly fairing support structure for cracks, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3029, dated June 26, 1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated February 6, 1996 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,800 flight cycles. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.'' Repair (b) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4020, dated June 26, 1995 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable. Accomplishment of this action constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD for only that repaired part. Optional Terminating Action (c) Modification of the belly fairing support structure in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-53-4020, dated June 26, 1995 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable; constitutes terminating action for the 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 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. 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 A330-53-3029, dated June 26, 1995; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated February 6, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3012, dated June 26, 1995; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4020, dated June 26, 1995; as applicable. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4038, Revision 1, dated February 6, 1996, has the following effective pages: List of Effective Pages ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision level Page No. shown on page Date shown on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1, 2............................ 1................. February 6, 1996. 3-31............................ Original.......... June 26, 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 directives 95-256-023(B) R1 and 95-258-037(B) R1, both dated December 17, 1997. (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 5, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-25595 Filed 9-30-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U