2010-04-03: Wings

2010-04-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-16196. Docket No. FAA-2009-0717; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-002-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 19, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, - 222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Following scheduled maintenance, an A310 operator reported finding cracks around the wing top skin panels fastener holes at Rib 2 (LH or RH) [left-hand or right-hand], between stringers 2 and 14 on some of its aircraft. This condition, if not corrected, may lead to degradation of the structure in this area. An inspection programme is necessary to restore and retain the structural integrity. For the reason described above, thisAD requires the implementation of an inspection programme that will ensure that any visible cracks in the wing top skin panels 1 and 2 along Rib 2 are detected in time and repaired appropriately. Note: The General Visual Inspection requested by the existing and applicable Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) tasks may not be adequate to detect these cracks. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Do a detailed visual inspection around fastener holes in the wing top skin panels 1 and 2, along rib 2 between the right side and left side of the front and rear spars, at the applicable compliance time in Table 1 of this AD; as applicable to the airplane model and Short Range (SR) use, average flight time (AFT) equal to or less than 4 hours; or Long Range (LR) use, AFT exceeding 4 hours; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, dated May 6, 2008. Note 1: To establish the AFT, take the accumulated flight time (counted from the take-off up to the landing) and divide by the number of accumulated flight cycles. This gives the average flight time per flight cycle. Table 1--Compliance Times for Detailed Visual Inspection Model Compliance Time (whichever occurs later) (i) A310-203, A310-204, A310-221, and A310-222 airplanes (A) Prior to the accumulation of 18,700 flight cycles or 37,400 flight hours since first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first; or (B) Within 430 flight cycles or 860 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD (ii) SR A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 short range airplanes (A) Prior to the accumulation of 17,300 flight cycles or 48,400 flight hours since first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first; or (B) Within 400 flight cycles or 1,100 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD (iii) LR A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 long range airplanes (A) Prior to accumulation of 12,800 flight cycles or 64,300 flight hours since first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first; or (B) Within 300 flight cycles or 1,450 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD (2) As of the effective date of this AD, if any repair has already been done as a result of finding skin cracks at rib 2 in the area to be inspected, the inspection requirements of this AD are not required for the repaired area. Instead, for previously repaired areas, continue the inspection in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. The rest of the rib 2 area not covered by the repair must be inspected in accordance with the requirements of this AD. (3) If no crack is found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD thereafter at the intervals not to exceed those specified in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable. Table 2--Compliance Times for Repetitive Inspection Interval Model Repetitive Inspection Interval A310-203, A310-204, A310-221, and A310-222 airplanes Within 1,700 flight cycles or 3,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first SR A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 short range airplanes Within 1,600 flight cycles or 4,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first LR A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 long range airplanes Within 1,200 flight cycles or 6,100 flight hours, whichever occurs first (4) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD, before further flight, repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, dated May 6, 2008. For previously repaired areas, continue the inspection in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (5) After each inspection required by this AD, submit an inspection report in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, dated May 6, 2008; at the times specified in paragraphs (f)(5)(i) or (f)(5)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) If the inspection is done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (ii) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. FAA AD Differences Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following 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. Send information 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. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. (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: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2008-0211, dated December 4, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, dated May 6, 2008; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, including Appendix 1, dated May 6, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 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; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. (3) 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 or 425-227-1152. (4) 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 NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.