92-04-06 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-8177. Docket 91-NM-263-AD.
Applicability: Model A320 Series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent excessive backlash at the elevator, which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, measure the deflection at each elevator trailing edge in accordance with paragraph 2.B.(1) of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27- 1043, dated October 7, 1991.
(1) If the measured elevator deflection is less than or equal to 4 mm, (0.16 inch), with zero play, repeat the elevator deflection inspections, in accordance with the following schedule:
(i) If the procedures in paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5) in the Service Bulletin have been accomplished, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 12,000 hours time in-service.
(ii) If the procedures in paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5) in the Service Bulletin have not been accomplished, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 350 hours time in-service.
(2) If the measured elevator deflection is greater than 4 mm (0.16 inch), and less than or equal to 10 mm (0.40 inch), repeat the elevator deflection inspections, in accordance with the following schedule:
(i) If the procedures in paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5) in the Service Bulletin have been accomplished, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,000 hours time in-service.
(ii) If the procedures in paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5) in the Service Bulletin have not been accomplished, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 7 calendar days.
(3) If the measured elevator deflection is greater than 10 mm (0.40 inch), and less than or equal to 15 mm (0.60 inch), accomplish the following:
(i) If the procedures in paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5) in the Service Bulletin have not been accomplished, repeat the elevator deflection inspections daily. Within 50 additional hours time in-service, accomplish the procedures of paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5) in the Service Bulletin. Prior to further flight, replace worn parts in accordance with the Service Bulletin.
(ii) If the procedures in paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5) in the Service Bulletin have been accomplished, prior to further flight, replace worn parts, in accordance with the Service Bulletin.
(4) If the measured elevator deflection is greater than 15 mm (0.60 inch), prior to further flight, replace worn parts and accomplish the procedures of paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B.(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5), in the Service Bulletin.
(b) If worn or out-of-tolerance components of the elevator servo controls and attachments are replaced in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-27-1043, paragraphs 2.B.(2), 2.B(3), 2.B.(4), and 2.B.(5), after such replacement, repeat the elevator deflection inspections at intervals specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. The request shall be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The inspections and replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1043, dated October 7, 1991. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Registerin accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, Airbus Support Division, Avenue Didier Daurat, 31700 Blagnac, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street N.W., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.
(f) This amendment (39-8177, AD 92-04-06) becomes effective on March 6, 1992.