AD 99-26-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series Airplanes

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

Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus Modification 11874 [reference Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2087 (for Model A300 series airplanes) or A300-27-6042 (for Model A300- 600 series airplanes), both dated October 2, 1998] has been accomplished. 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 prevent inadvertent and uncommanded rudder trim activation, which could result in yaw and roll excursions and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Corrective Actions (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, replace the rudder trim switch, part number (P/N) 097-023-00, in the flight compartment, with a new switch, P/N 097-023-01; and modify the wiring in panel 408VU; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2084, Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27-6037, Revision 01 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated September 29, 1998; as applicable. Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2084 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27-6037 (for Model A300- 600 series airplanes), both dated February 12, 1997; as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with that paragraph. (b) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the rudder trim control knob on the rudder trim switch with an improved new knob in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2087, Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27-6042, Revision 01 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated February 17, 1999; as applicable. Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2087 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27-6042 (for Model [[Page 71280]] A300-600 series airplanes), both dated October 2, 1998; as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with that paragraph. Spares (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install in the flight compartment of any airplane a rudder trim switch having P/N 097-023-00. 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 4: 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 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. Incorporation by Reference (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2084, Revision 01, dated September 29, 1998; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6037, Revision 01, dated September 29, 1998; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2087, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6042, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999; as applicable. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 97-111-219(B), dated May 7, 1997, and 1999- 012-275(B), dated January 13, 1999. (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 25, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 9, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-32508 Filed 12-20-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U