98-18-26: Front Spar Vertical Stringers on the Wings

98-18-26 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-10742. Docket 98-NM-18-AD. Applicability: Model A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 21290 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1017, Revision 01, dated March 17, 1997) 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) 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 includespecific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct fatigue cracking of the front spar vertical stringers on the wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airframe, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform an eddy current inspection to detect fatigue cracking of the front spar vertical stringers on the wings, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1016, Revision 1, dated December 6, 1995. (1) If no crack is detected, repeat the eddy current inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 14,000 flight cycles. (2) If any crack is detected, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction G n ralede l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent). Thereafter, repeat the eddy current inspection at intervals not to exceed 14,000 flight cycles. (b) Modification of the front spar vertical stringers on the wings, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1017, Revision 01, dated March 17, 1997, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. (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, 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (d) Special flight permits may be issued inaccordance 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 A320-57-1016, Revision 1, dated December 6, 1995, which contains the following list of effective pages: Page Number Revision Level Shown on Page Date Shown on Page 1-4, 7 1 December 6, 1995 5-6, 8-13 Original September 3, 1991 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 97-311-105(B), dated October 22, 1997. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 13, 1998.