2000-23-08: Autopilot Reversions

2000-23-08 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-11978. Docket 2000-NM-114-AD. Applicability: Model A310 series airplanes equipped with flight control computers (FCC) having part number (P/N) B350AAM4 or B470ABM2, and Model A300-600 series airplanes equipped with FCC's having P/N B470AAM2; certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 11899 or 11900 (Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2048 or A310-22- 2049 or A300-22-6038) 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 (b) of this AD. The request should include anassessment 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 autopilot reversions in certain flight conditions, which could result in misunderstanding by the flight crew and consequent reduced ability to take appropriate action, accomplish the following, accomplish the following: Replacement of FCC's and Modification of Wiring (a) Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the FCC's with new, improved FCC's having updated software installed; and modify the wiring, as applicable; in accordance with paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3), as applicable. (1) For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes equipped with FCC's having P/N B350AAM4: Replace the FCC's in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2048, Revision 01, dated March 6, 2000. (2) For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes equipped with FCC's having P/N B470ABM2: Replace the FCC's in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2049, Revision 02, dated March 6, 2000. Prior to or concurrent with the replacement, modify the wiring in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2051, Revision 02, dated March 8, 2000. (3) For Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes equipped with FCC's having P/N B470AAM2: Replace the FCC's in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6038, dated August 24, 1999. Prior to or concurrent with the replacement, modify the wiring in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6040, Revision 02, dated March 6, 2000. NOTE 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2048, dated December 13, 1999; A310-22-2049, dated August 24, 1999, or Revision01, dated December 13, 1999; A310-22-2051, dated August 26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated December 13, 1999; or A300-22-6040, dated August 26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated December 13, 1999; is acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions specified in that paragraph. NOTE 3: The Airbus service bulletins reference SEXTANT Service Bulletins B350AAM-22- 008, B470AAM-22-013, and B470ABM-22-012, each dated September 29, 1999, as additional sources of service information for accomplishing the replacement required by this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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. 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 theexistence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (c) 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2048, Revision 01, dated March 6, 2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2049, Revision 02, dated March 6, 2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2051, Revision 02, dated March 8, 2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6038, dated August 24, 1999; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6040, Revision 02, dated March 6, 2000; 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 directive 2000-137- 305(B), dated August 21, 2000. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 20, 2000.