99-17-06: Universal Joint Assemblies

99-17-06 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-11255. Docket 93-NM-125-AD. Applicability: Model A310 series airplanes, except those on which Airbus Modification 10092 (Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2060, Revision 01, dated October 3, 1997) has been accomplished; 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 (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 prevent rupture of the universal joints, which could result in inadvertent movement of the slats, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspections and Corrective Actions (a) Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total landings, or within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a visual inspection and an electrical continuity test to detect missing or damaged vespel bushes on the slat system universal joint assemblies of the left- and right-hand wings, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2061, dated November 4, 1992, or Revision 01, dated October 3, 1997. Repeat this inspection and test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15,000 landings. (b) If any vespel bushes are missing or damaged, prior to further flight, replace the universal joint with a newjoint in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A310-27- 2061, dated November 4, 1992, or Revision 01, dated October 3, 1997. After replacement, continue to repeat the inspection and test required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 15,000 landings. Optional Terminating Modification (c) Modification of the slat system universal joint and shaft assemblies in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2060, Revision 01, dated October 3, 1997, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection and test requirements of this AD. 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, 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. Special Flight Permits (e) 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. Incorporation by Reference (f) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2061, dated November 4, 1992, or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2061, Revision 01, dated October 3, 1997. 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 92-275- 139(B)R1, dated December 17, 1997. (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 22, 1999.