95-23-01: Inspect Spherical Washer

95-23-01 AIRBUS: Amendment 39-9422. Docket 95-NM-196-AD. Applicability: Model A330-301 series airplanes, having manufacturer's serial numbers (MSN) 0030, 0037, 0045, 0054, 0055, 0059, and 0070, on which Airbus Modification 43222D40126 has not been installed; Model A340 -211, -212, -311, and -312 series airplanes, having MSN 0005 through 0009 inclusive, 0011, 0012 through 0016 inclusive, 0018 through 0029 inclusive, 0031 through 0033 inclusive, 0056 through 0058 inclusive, 0063, and 0074 through 0076 inclusive, on which Airbus Modification 43222D40126 has not been installed; certificated in any category. 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (c) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the spherical washers installed at the aft flap track attachment to the wing trailing edges, which could result in structural damage to the attachment and eventually lead to separation of the flap from the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 3,500 total flight cycles, or within 7 days after the effective date of thisAD, whichever occurs later, conduct a visual inspection to detect cracking, corrosion, or free play in the spherical washer located at the aft flap track-to-wing trailing edge attachment assemblies at tracks 2 through 5 (left-hand and right-hand), in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3029, dated, April 26, 1995, for Model A330 series airplanes; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4033, dated April 26, 1995, for Model A340 series airplanes; as applicable. (1) If no discrepancy is detected, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles. (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, replace the spherical washer with a serviceable spherical washer in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles. (b) Terminating action for the requirements of this AD consists of the replacement of all spherical washers located at the aft flap track-to-wing trailing edge attachment assemblies at tracks 2 through 5 (left-hand and right-hand) with improved spherical washers, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3016, dated April 26, 1995, for Model A330 series airplanes; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4021, dated April 26, 1995, for Model A340 series airplanes. (c) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113. (d) 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. (e) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330- 57-3029, dated, April 26, 1995, for Model A330 series airplanes; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4033, dated April 26, 1995, for Model A340 series airplanes; 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 22, 1995.