98-25-53: Center Fuel Pumps and Canister Inspection

98-25-53 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-10956. Docket 98-NM-361-AD. Applicability: All Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes; certificated in any category. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (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 damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel ignition source in the center tank, accomplish the following: (a) Perform a one-time visual inspection for damage of the center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. Perform the inspection at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 20,000 or more total hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 10 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 12,000 or more total hours time-in-service, but less than 20,000 total hours time-in-service, as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD. (3) For airplanes that have accumulated 4,500 or more total hours time-in- service, but less than 12,000 total hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD. (4) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 4,500 total hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect prior to the accumulation of 4,500 total hours time-in-service, or within 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (b) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the damaged fuel pump or fuel pump canister with a new or serviceable part in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. (c) Within 5 days after accomplishing the inspection required by this AD or within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Report inspection findings, positive or negative, to Airbus, Mr. F. Poveda, AI/SE-E31, Sita Code TLSBW7X, fax number +33/(0)5.61.93.32.73. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB control number 2120-0056. (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, 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, 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. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance withsections 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. (f) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. 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 telegraphic airworthiness directive T98-476-272(B), dated November 30, 1998. (g) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998, to all persons exceptthose persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T98-25-53, issued on December 4, 1998.