2001-16-01: Aft Cargo Compartment Door

2001-16-01 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12369. Docket 2001-NM- 136-AD. Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any category: --Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 series airplanes; excluding those that have received Airbus Modification 44852 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3044, dated March 2, 2001) or Airbus Modification 44854. --Model A340 series airplanes, excluding those that have received Airbus Modification 44852 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4054, dated March 2, 2001) or Airbus Modification 44854. 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 ofcompliance 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. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct cracking of the aft cargo compartment door, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect cracking of the aft cargo compartment door, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3043 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-52-4053 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated March 2, 2001; as applicable. Perform applicable follow-on and corrective actions at the applicable threshold in accordance with the applicable service bulletin, except as required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at least every 4,000 flight cycles. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required." (b) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and the applicable service bulletin specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action: Prior to further flight, repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). Optional Terminating Action (c) Modification of the aft cargo compartment door terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD, if the modification is accomplished in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52- 3044 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-52-4054 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated March 2, 2001; as applicable. 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. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 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) Except as required by paragraph (b) of this AD: The inspection must be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3043, dated March 2, 2001; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340- 52-4053, dated March 2, 2001; as applicable. The modification, if accomplished, must be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3044, dated March 2, 2001; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4054, dated March 2, 2001; 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 2001-126(B) and 2001-124(B), both dated April 4, 2001. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 21, 2001.