[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 233 (Wednesday, December 4, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72115-72119]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-30654]



[[Page 72115]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-302-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series 
Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R Series 
Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600); Model A310 Series Airplanes; 
Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes; Model A330-301, -321, -
322, -341, and -342 Series Airplanes; and Model A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and 
B4 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R 
series airplanes (collectively called A300-600); Model A310 series 
airplanes; Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; Model A330-301, 
-321, -322, -341, and -342 series airplanes; and Model A340 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require, among other actions, 
replacement of certain pitot probes with certain new pitot probes. This 
action is necessary to prevent loss or fluctuation of indicated 
airspeed, which could result in inadvertent excursions outside the 
normal flight envelope. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-302-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-302-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NM-302-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2001-NM-302-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R 
series airplanes (collectively called A300-600); Model A310 series 
airplanes; Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; Model A330-301, 
-321, -322, -341, and -342 series airplanes; and Model A340 series 
airplanes. The DGAC advises that operators have reported several cases 
of loss or fluctuation of indicated airspeed when flying through heavy 
precipitation or freezing weather conditions. The probable cause has 
been attributed to the presence of ice crystals and/or water exceeding 
the weather limits for which the pitot probes are currently certified. 
Loss or fluctuation of indicated airspeed, if not corrected, could 
result in inadvertent excursions outside the normal flight envelope.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-34-0166, dated March 30, 
2001 (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes); Service Bulletin 
A300-34-6116, Revision 02, dated May 25, 2000 (for Model A300 B4-600, 
A300 B4-600R, or A300 F4-600R series airplanes); and Service Bulletin 
A310-34-2137, Revision 02, dated May 25, 2000 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for replacement 
of the Sextant pitot probes from the forward fuselage panel between FR6 
and FR7 with new BF Goodrich pitot probes (including O-rings, gaskets, 
and nuts). In lieu of this replacement, Airbus has issued Service 
Bulletin A300-34-6141, dated December 3, 2001 (for Model A300 B4-600R 
series airplanes); and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-34-2154, Revision 
01, dated April 19, 2000 (for Model A310 series airplanes). These 
service bulletins describe procedures for replacement of the Sextant 
pitot probes from the forward fuselage panel between FR6 and FR7 with 
new, improved Sextant pitot probes (including O-rings, gaskets, and 
nuts).

[[Page 72116]]

    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A300-34-069, Revision 05, 
dated April 8, 1982, as revised by A300 Service Bulletin Change Notice 
5A, dated February 16, 1987 (for Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series 
airplanes), which describes procedures for replacement of the 
Captain's, First Officer's, and standby Badin Crouzet pitot probes in 
zones 121 and 122 between STA881/FR6 and STA904FR7 with new Badin 
Crouzet pitot probes. The replacement includes replacing the O-rings, 
gaskets, and nuts; and modifying the electrical wiring and the 
equipment of the electrical wiring.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A300-21-053, Revision 2, 
dated January 3, 1980 (for Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes), 
which describes procedures for modifying the relay box of the automatic 
ground depressurization system. The modification includes installing 
blanking plates, a relay assembly, and placards; incorporating and 
attaching to existing bundles a new bundle with cable ties; and 
plugging unused holes of a certain relay.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A300-32-052, dated November 
15, 1976 (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series aiplanes), which describes 
procedures for cleaning, restoring paint coats, and applying Mystik 
tape 7355 to shock strut (barrel) of the main landing gear; and 
replacing the lower arm link with a new, reidentified lower arm lock 
link.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A300-22-031, dated June 25, 
1979 (for Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes), which describes 
procedures for modification of the electronic racks, electrical wiring, 
and cable routing. The modification includes drilling and deburring 
structure, and plugging unused holes in connectors.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A320-34-1127, dated April 
24, 1997 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes), which 
describes procedures for replacement of Thales (previously Sextant) 
pitot probes in zones 125, 9DA2, and 122 with new Thales pitot probes.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A330-34-3038, dated 
November 19, 1996 (for Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 
series airplanes), which describes procedures for replacement of the 
Rosemount pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 with new BF Goodrich pitot 
probes. In lieu of this replacement for certain airplanes, Airbus also 
has issued Service Bulletin A330-34-3071, dated December 11, 1998 (for 
Model A330-301 series airplanes), which describes procedures for 
replacement of the Rosemount pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 with new 
Sextant pitot probes.
    In addition, Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A340-34-4042, dated 
November 19, 1996 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 
series airplanes), which describes procedures for replacement of the 
Rosemount pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 with new BF Goodrich pitot 
probes. In lieu of this replacement for certain airplanes, Airbus also 
has issued Service Bulletin A340-34-4079, dated December 11, 1998 (for 
Model A340-211, -212, and -311 series airplanes), which describes 
procedures for replacement of the Rosemount pitot probes in zones 121 
and 122 with new Sextant pitot probes.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The 
DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French 
airworthiness directives 2001-353(B), dated August 8, 2001; 2001-
354(B), dated August 8, 2001; 2001-362(B), dated August 8, 2001; and 
2001-265(B) R1, dated December 12, 2001; in order to assure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the applicable service bulletins described 
previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 559 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD. The ``Table--Cost Figures'' shows the 
estimated cost impact for certain airplanes affected by this AD. The 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. ``Table--Cost Figures'' is as 
follows:

                                               Table--Cost Figures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   U.S.-
             Model               registered   Work hours        Parts cost            Total cost (estimated)
                                 airplanes   (estimated)       (estimated)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4...........           24          (*)  Between $120 to        Between $300, and $78,329, per
                                                           $56,669 (depending     airplane (depending on
                                                           on airplane            airplane configuration).
                                                           configuration).
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and           83            3  $5,700...............  $488,040, or $5,880 per
 A300 F4-600R (collectively                                                       airplane.
 called A300-600).
A310..........................           46            3  $5,700 or $5,856       $270,480 or $277,656; or $5,880
                                                           (depending on          or $6,036 per airplane
                                                           airplane               (depending on airplane
                                                           configuration).        configuration).
A319, A320, and A321..........          397            3  $6,000...............  $2,453,460, or $6,180 per
                                                                                  airplane.
A330-301, -321, -322, -341,               9            3  $6,000 or $11,100      $55,620 or 101,520; or $6,180
 and -342.                                                 (depending on          or $11,280 per airplane
                                                           airplane               (depending on airplane
                                                           configuration).        configuration).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Between 3 and 631.


[[Page 72117]]

    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.
    Currently, there are no Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -
312, and -313 series airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, should an 
affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, it would require approximately 3 work hours to accomplish the 
required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The 
cost of required parts would be $6,000 or $11,100 (depending on 
airplane configuration). Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
this AD would be $6,180 or $11,280 per airplane (depending on airplane 
configuration).

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, 
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under 
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Airbus: Docket 2001-NM-302-AD.

    Applicability: The series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, listed in Table--Applicability:

                                              Table--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Excluding airplanes
               Model                        Excluding airplanes modified per--              equipped with--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4................  Airbus Modification No. 12236 in service         [Reserved].
                                      (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-
                                      0166, dated March 30, 2001, in service).
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300  Airbus Modification No. 11858 in production      [Reserved].
 F4-600R (collectively called A300-   (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-
 600).                                6116, dated June 19, 1998; Revision 01, dated
                                      August 7, 1998; or Revision 02, dated May 25,
                                      2000; in service); or Airbus Modification No.
                                      12223 in service (reference Airbus Service
                                      Bulletin A300-34-6141, dated December 3, 2001,
                                      in service).
A310...............................  Airbus Modification No. 11858 in production      [Reserved].
                                      (reference Airbus A310-34-2137, dated June 19,
                                      1998; Revision 01, dated August 7, 1998; or
                                      Revision 02, dated May 25, 2000; in service);
                                      or Airbus Modification 12223 in service
                                      (reference Airbus A310-32-2154, dated January
                                      13, 2000; or Revision 01, dated April 19,
                                      2000; in service).
A319, A320, and A321...............  Airbus Modification 25998 in production          BF Goodrich (previously
                                      (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-      New Rosemount) pitot
                                      1127, dated April 24, 1997, in service).         probes part number 0851HL
                                                                                       per Airbus Modification
                                                                                       No. 25578 (reference
                                                                                       Airbus Service Bulletin
                                                                                       A320-34-1170, dated April
                                                                                       12, 1979; Revision 01,
                                                                                       dated March 14, 1980;
                                                                                       Revision 02, dated April
                                                                                       10, 1980; Revision 03,
                                                                                       dated March 23, 1981;
                                                                                       Revision 04, dated
                                                                                       October 1, 1981; or
                                                                                       Revision 05, dated
                                                                                       September 11, 2000.)
A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -    Airbus Modification No. 44836 in production      [Reserved].
 342.                                 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-
                                      3038, dated November 19, 1996, in service); or
                                      Airbus Modification No. 45638 in production
                                      (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-
                                      3071, dated December 11, 1998, in service).

[[Page 72118]]

 
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312,    Airbus Modification 44836 in production          [Reserved].
 and -313.                            (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-
                                      4042, dated November 19, 1996, in service); or
                                      Airbus Modification 45638 in production
                                      (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-
                                      4079, dated December 11, 1998; Revision 01,
                                      dated May 27, 1999; or Revision 02, dated
                                      October 6, 1999; in service).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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 (i) 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 loss or fluctuation of indicated airspeed, which 
could result in inadvertent excursions outside the normal flight 
envelope, accomplish the following:

For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 
B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series 
Airplanes; and Model A310 Series Airplanes: Replacement of Pitot Probes 
With New Pitot Probes

    (a) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
action specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes; Model A300 
B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (collectively called A300-
600) series airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes: Replace the 
Sextant pitot probes from the forward fuselage panel between FR6 and 
FR7 with new BF Goodrich pitot probes (including O-rings, gaskets, 
and nuts), per Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0166, dated March 30, 
2001 (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes); Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-34-6116, Revision 02, dated May 25, 2000 (for Model 
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R series airplanes); or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-34-2137, Revision 02, dated May 25, 
2000 (for Model A310 series airplanes); as applicable.
    (2) For Model A300 B4-600R, A310-203, and A310-304 series 
airplanes: Replace the Sextant pitot probes from the forward 
fuselage panel between FR6 and FR7 with Sextant pitot probes 
(including O-rings, gaskets, and nuts), per Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-34-6141, dated December 3, 2001 (for Model A300 B4-600R series 
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-34-2154, Revision 01, 
dated April 19, 2000 (for Model A310 series airplanes); as 
applicable.

For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 Series Airplanes: Before or Concurrent 
Requirements

    (b) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes: Before or 
concurrently with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) of this AD, 
as applicable, replace the Captain's, First Officer's, and standby 
Badin Crouzet pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 between STA881/FR6 
and STA904FR7 with new Badin Crouzet pitot probes (including 
replacement of O-rings, gaskets, and nuts; and modification of 
electrical wiring and equipment of electrical wiring); per Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-34-069, Revision 05, dated April 8, 1982, as 
revised by A300 Service Bulletin Change Notice 5A, dated February 
16, 1987.
    (c) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes, 
manufacturer's serial numbers 002, 004 through 028 inclusive, 030 
through 051 inclusive: Before or concurrently with the requirements 
of paragraph (b) of this AD, modify the relay box of the automatic 
ground depression systems by doing all the actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-053, 
Revision 2, dated January 3, 1980; per the service bulletin.
    (d) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes, 
manufacturer's serial numbers 002, 005 through 007 inclusive, 009 
through 014 inclusive, 016, and 017: Before or concurrently with the 
requirements of paragraph (c) of this AD, do the actions specified 
in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD per Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-32-052, dated November 15, 1976.
    (1) Clean, restore paint coats, and apply mystik tape 7355 to 
shock strut (barrel) of the main landing gear.
    (2) Replace the lower arm link with a new, reidentified lower 
arm lock link.
    (e) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes, 
manufacturer's serial numbers 005 through 007 inclusive, 009 through 
012 inclusive: Before or concurrently with the requirements of 
paragraph (b) of this AD, modify the electronic racks, electrical 
wiring, and cable routing by accomplishing all the actions specified 
in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
22-031, dated June 25, 1979, per the service bulletin.

For Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes: Replacement of Thales 
Pitot Probes

    (f) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes: Within 24 
months after the effective date of this AD: Replace the Thales 
(previously Sextant) pitot probes in zones 125, 9DA2, and 122 with 
new Thales pitot probes, per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1127, 
dated April 24, 1997.

For Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 Series Airplanes: 
Replacement of Rosemount Pitot Probes

    (g) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
action specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 series 
airplanes: Replace the Rosemount pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 
with new BF Goodrich pitot probes, per Airbus Service Bulletin A330-
34-3038, dated November 19, 1996.
    (2) For Model A330-301 series airplanes: Replace the Rosemount 
pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 with new Sextant pitot probes, per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3071, dated December 11, 1998.

For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 Series Airplanes: 
Replace the Rosemount Pitot Probes

    (h) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series 
airplanes: Replace the Rosemount pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 
with new BF Goodrich pitot probes, per Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
34-4042, dated November 19, 1996.
    (2) For Model A340-211, -212, and -311 series airplanes: Replace 
the Rosemount pitot probes in zones 121 and 122 with new Sextant 
pitot probes, per Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4079, dated 
December 11, 1998. This replacement must be done before or 
concurrently with the requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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. 
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.


[[Page 72119]]



Special Flight Permits

    (j) 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2001-353(B), dated August 8, 2001; 2001-
354(B), dated August 8, 2001; 2001-362(B), dated August 8, 2001; and 
2001-265(B) R1, dated December 12, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 25, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-30654 Filed 12-3-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P