Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2012-15-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-17143. Docket No. FAA-2012-0185; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-001-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 11, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-14929 (72 FR 5919, February 8, 2007).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Model B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers except for airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airplanes on which LH (left-hand) and RH (right-hand) wing main landing gear (MLG) rib 5 forward lugs have oversized interference fit bushings installed per Airbus Repair Instruction R57240221.
(2) Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes on which Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249 has been done in service on the LH and RH wing.
(3) Model A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106 has been done in service on the LH and RH wing.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward lug of the MLG rib 5 aft bearing attachment. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the LH and RH wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, which could affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, resulting in MLG collapse during landing or rollout with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
(g) Inspections
Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles since new, or within 12,000 flight cycles since the most recent MLG rib 5 replacement, if applicable, or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest: Do a detailed inspection or an ultrasonic inspection for cracking of the LH and RH MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, including Appendix 01, dated August8, 2007 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes). Repeat the applicable inspections thereafter at the applicable interval specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, until the modification specified in paragraph (j) of this AD is accomplished.
(1) Repeat the detailed inspections at intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles.
(2) Repeat the ultrasonic inspections at intervals not to exceed 675 flight cycles.
(h) Exception
For airplanes on which an inspection required by AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-14929 (72 FR 5919, February 8, 2007), has been done as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after doing the most recent inspection required by AD 2007-03-18, or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a detailed or ultrasonic inspection as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Repeat the applicable inspection thereafter at the times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Repair
If any cracking isdetected during any detailed or ultrasonic inspection of the LH and RH MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, repair using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
(j) Optional Terminating Modification
Performing the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3) and (j)(4) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4- 103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD.
(1) Perform a general visual inspection and dye penetrant flaw detection inspection for corrosion and damageof the bore and spotfaces of the lug.
(2) Determine that the diameter of the bore of the lug (dimension Y) is within the tolerance specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4- 103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
(3) If damage or corrosion is detected during any inspection specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, or if dimension Y is outside the tolerance specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); repair using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated agent).
(4) Install bushings with an increased interference fit in the aft bearing forward lugs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
(k) Terminating Action for AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-14929 (72 FR 5919, February 8, 2007)
Doing the actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2007-03-18, Amendment 39-14929 (72 FR 5919, February 8, 2007), for that airplane.
(l) Reporting
Submit a report (including both positive and negative findings), using the applicable report sheet attached to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007 (for Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, including Appendix 01, August 8, 2007 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); of the first inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Submit the report to Airbus, Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, Attn: SEDCC1 Technical Data and Documentation Services; fax: (+33) 5 61 93 28 06; email: sb.reporting@airbus.com; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(m) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified by paragraph (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable service bulletins specified in paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2), (m)(3), (m)(4), and (m)(5) of this AD.
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(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, dated May 22, 2007 (for Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 01, dated December 19, 2007 (for Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes).
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, dated May 22, 2007 (Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4- 605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes).
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 01, dated January 28, 2008 (Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4- 622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes).
(5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010 (Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes).
(n) Other FAA AD Provisions
Thefollowing provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to Attn: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMO-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(o) Related Information
Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0250, dated November 29, 2010, and the service information specified in paragraphs (o)(1), (o)(2), (o)(3), and (o)(4) of this AD, for related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007.
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012.
(4) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, including Appendix 01, August 8, 2007.
(p) Material Incorporated by Reference(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0249, Revision 02, dated June 18, 2010.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-0251, including Appendix 01, dated August 8, 2007.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6106, Revision 03, dated January 26, 2012.
(iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-57-6107, including Appendix 01, August 8, 2007.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS-EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.