AD 97-18-09 SUPERSEDED

97-18-09 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-10119. Docket 97-NM-41-AD. Supersedes AD 96-08-07, Amendment 39-9573 which superseded AD 94-21-07 amendment 39-9049.

Applicability: All Model A300-600 and A310 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 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 (e) 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.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent an out-of-trim condition between the trimmable horizontal stabilizer and the elevator, which could severely reduce controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: RESTATEMENT OF ACTIONS REQUIRED BY AD 96-08-07, AMENDMENT 39-9573:

(a) Within 10 days after May 23, 1996 (the effective date of AD 96-08-07, amendment 39-9573), revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the information contained in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. The AFM limitation required by AD 94-21-07, amendment 39-9049, may be removed following accomplishment of the requirements of this paragraph.

(1) For airplanes on which the flight control computers (FCC) have not been modified in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD:

"Overriding the autopilot (AP) in pitch axis does not cancel the AP autotrim when LAND TRACK mode [green LAND on both Flight Mode Annunciators (FMA)] or GO-AROUND mode is engaged. In these modes, if the pilot counteracts the AP, the autotrim will trim against pilot input. This could lead to a severe out-of-trim situation in a critical phase of flight."

(2) For airplanes on which the FCC's have been modified in accordance with requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD:

"Overriding the autopilot (AP) in pitch axis does not cancel the AP autotrim when LAND TRACK mode (green LAND on both FMA's) is engaged, or GO-AROUND mode is engaged below 400 feet radio altitude (RA). In these modes, if the pilot counteracts the AP, the autotrim will trim against pilot input. This could lead to a severe out-of-trim situation in a critical phase of flight."

RESTATEMENT OF ACTIONS REQUIRED BY AD 94-21-07, AMENDMENT 39-9049:

(b) For airplanes equipped with FCC's having either part number (P/N)B470ABM1 (for Model A310 series airplanes) or B470AAM1 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes): Within 60 days after November 2, 1994 (the effective date of AD 94-21-07, amendment 39-9049), modify the FCC's in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2036, dated December 14, 1993 (for Model A310 series airplanes), or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6021, Revision 1, dated December 24, 1993 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), as applicable.

(c) As of November 2, 1994, no person shall install a FCC having either P/N B470ABM1 or B470AAM1 on any airplane. NEW ACTIONS REQUIRED BY THIS AD:

(d) For airplanes on which Modification No. 11454 [reference Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2044 (for Model A310 series airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6032 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes)] has not been installed: Accomplish paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2)(i) and (d)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the autopilot in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2044, Revision 1, dated January 8, 1997 (for Model A310 series airplanes), or Service Bulletin A300-22-6032, Revision 1, dated January 8, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), as applicable. The requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 95-25-09, amendment 39-9455, if applicable, must be accomplished prior to or at the same time the requirements of this paragraph are accomplished.

(2) Prior to further flight following accomplishment of paragraph (d)(1) of this AD:

(i) Remove the AFM revisions required by paragraph (b) of this AD; and

(ii) Perform an operational test of this autopilot disconnect feature to determine that it operates properly, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2047, dated July 16, 1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes), or Service Bulletin A300-22-6035, dated July 16, 1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), as applicable. If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, repair it in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Repeat this test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months.

(e) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(f) 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.

(g) The modificationof the FCC's shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2036, dated December 14, 1993, or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6021, Revision 1, dated December 24, 1993, as applicable. The incorporation by reference of those documents was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as of May 23, 1996 (61 FR 16873, April 18, 1996). The modification and operational test of the autopilot shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2044, Revision 1, dated January 8, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22- 6032, Revision 1, dated January 8, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2047, dated July 16, 1996; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6035, dated July 16, 1996; as applicable. The incorporation by reference of those documents 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, 1Rond 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.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on October 3, 1997.