[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 113 (Thursday, June 12, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35186-35191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-14849]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 113 / Thursday, June 12, 2003 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 35186]]



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: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), 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; that would have required, among other actions, replacement 
of certain pitot probes with certain new pitot probes. This new action 
would revise the replacement procedures of the proposed AD by requiring 
enlargement of the holes for the pitot probes. The actions specified by 
this new proposed AD are intended to prevent loss or fluctuation of 
indicated airspeed, which could result in seriously misleading 
information being provided to the flightcrew. This action is intended 
to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 7, 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

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD) 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; was published as a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on 
December 4, 2002 (67 FR 72115) (hereafter referred to as the ``original 
NPRM''). That original NPRM would have required, among other actions, 
replacement of certain pitot probes with certain new pitot probes. That 
original NPRM was prompted by 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

[[Page 35187]]

indicated airspeed, if not corrected, could result in inadvertent 
excursions outside the normal flight envelope.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Proposal

    Since the issuance of the original NPRM, the Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, has issued a new revision to French 
airworthiness directive 2001-265(B) R1, dated December 12, 2001, which 
was one of the French airworthiness directives cited in the original 
NPRM. This new revision, French airworthiness directive 2001-265(B) R2, 
dated November 13, 2002, among other things, specifies enlarging the 
holes for the pitot probes and clarifies the name of a parts 
manufacturer.
    New revisions to two of the service bulletins that were cited in 
the original NPRM were issued to revise certain procedures to specify 
the need to enlarge certain holes when replacing the pitot probes. The 
various revisions to the two service bulletins are described as 
follows:
    [sbull] A310-34-2154, Revision 01, dated April 19, 2000, was cited 
in the original NPRM as an appropriate source of service information. 
The manufacturer later issued Revision 02, dated November 5, 2001; 
Revision 03, dated January 25, 2002; Revision 04, dated April 30, 2002; 
Revision 05, dated July 9, 2002; and Revision 06, dated August 6, 2002. 
All of these revisions add airplanes in the effectivity of the service 
bulletin. However, Revision 04 of the service bulletin also includes 
procedures for enlarging the holes for installing the pitot probes. 
Revision 07, dated October 8, 2002, which is cited in this supplemental 
NPRM as the appropriate source of information for Model A310 series 
airplanes, also adds airplanes to the effectivity of the service 
bulletin.
    [sbull] A300-34-6141, dated December 3, 2001, was cited in the 
original NPRM as an appropriate source of service information. The 
manufacturer later issued Revision 01, dated February 20, 2002, to add 
airplanes to the effectivity of the service bulletin. Revision 02, 
dated April 30, 2002, was issued to provide procedures for enlarging 
the holes for installing the pitot probes. Revision 03, dated August 
27, 2002, which is cited in this supplemental NPRM as the appropriate 
source of information for Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes, was 
issued to add airplanes to the effectivity of the service bulletin.

Comments

    Due consideration has been given to the comments received in 
response to the NPRM.

Support for the Proposed NPRM

    One commenter, the manufacturer, supports the content of the 
proposed NPRM.

Request to Correct Name of Parts Supplier

    One commenter suggests changing all references throughout the 
original NPRM from BF Goodrich to Rosemount Aerospace Inc. The 
commenter states that Rosemount Aerospace is the correct legal name. 
The FAA concurs with this request and has revised this supplemental 
NPRM accordingly.

Request To Delay Issuance of Proposal

    One commenter states that it has no concerns with the actions 
required by the original NPRM, and that those actions have been 
accomplished on all Model A319 and A320 series airplanes. However, 
since this accomplishment, the commenter has experienced a continuation 
in airspeed anomalies. For this reason, the commenter states that it 
will share such data with us, and suggests that we conduct a more 
extensive review of the experience of additional operators regarding 
airspeed anomalies before mandating any actions in an AD.
    Although we acknowledge the commenter's concern, we do not concur 
that issuance of this proposed AD should be delayed until we receive 
additional data regarding airspeed anomalies. However, based on these 
concerns, we encourage that additional data be submitted to us by the 
commenter or others. We have determined that to delay this action would 
be inappropriate since an unsafe condition exists, and that the revised 
procedure for replacing the pitot probes must be accomplished to ensure 
continued safety. Additional rulemaking may be considered in the 
future, if warranted by additional data regarding the identified unsafe 
condition. No change to this supplemental NPRM is necessary in this 
regard.

Request To Expand the Applicability of the Proposed NPRM

    One commenter is concerned about certain requirements in the 
original NPRM regarding the pitot probes used on certain airplane 
models. The commenter asks whether the unsafe condition identified on 
one manufacturer's product line of pitot probes also exists on the 
product lines of other manufacturers. The commenter states that one of 
the manufacturers issued an alert service bulletin regarding 
unauthorized repairs on certain pitot static tubes found installed on a 
number of airplane models. The commenter is concerned that additional 
airplane models also may have similar discrepant pitot probes 
installed. In addition, if a serious safety issue exists for pitot 
probes manufactured per the requirements of Technical Standard Order 
TSO C-16, dated September 1, 1948, and amended April 16, 1951, the 
applicability of the original NPRM may need to be expanded.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concern and may consider additional 
rulemaking to address that concern in the future on certain airplanes. 
While there may be merit to the commenter's suggestions, this 
supplemental NPRM is not the appropriate context in which to evaluate 
those suggestions. Since the suggested changes would alter the actions 
currently required by this supplemental NPRM, additional rulemaking 
would be required. We find that to delay this action would be 
inappropriate in light of the identified unsafe condition. We do not 
concur that we should expand the applicability of this supplemental 
NPRM. No change to the applicability of this supplemental NPRM is 
necessary in this regard.

Request to Add a Service Bulletin Reference

    One commenter states that a reference to Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-34-1170, Revision 05, dated September 11, 2000, should be added to 
certain paragraphs in the original NPRM, for certain airplanes. That 
service bulletin describes procedures for replacing certain Thales 
(formerly Sextant) pitot probes with new Rosemount Aerospace pitot 
probes.
    We do not concur for several reasons. First, the commenter did not 
specify any justification for adding a reference to Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-34-1170. Second, French airworthiness directive 2001-
265(B) R2 does not include a reference to that service bulletin. In 
addition, French airworthiness directive 2001-362(B), dated August 8, 
2001, states that airplanes equipped with certain pitot probes per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1170 are not applicable to the 
requirements of that airworthiness directive. No change to this 
supplemental NPRM is necessary in this regard.

Conclusion

    Since these changes expand the scope of the original NPRM, we have 
determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide

[[Page 35188]]

additional opportunity for public comment.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 559 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 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 proposed 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
                                    airplanes        (estimated)           (estimated)           (estimated)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4..............           24  Between 3 and 631...  Between $120 and      Between $300 and
                                                                       $56,669 per           $94,529 per
                                                                       airplane (depending   airplane (depending
                                                                       on airplane           on airplane
                                                                       configuration).       configuration).
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and              83  3...................  $5,700..............  $488,040, or $5,880
 A300 F4-600R (collectively                                                                  per airplane.
 called A300-600).
A310.............................           46  3...................  $5,700 or $5,856      Between $270,480 and
                                                                       (depending on         $277,656; or $5,880
                                                                       airplane              and $6,036 per
                                                                       configuration)..      airplane (depending
                                                                                             on airplane
                                                                                             configuration).
A319, A320, and A321.............          397  3...................  $6,000..............  $2,453,460, or
                                                                                             $6,180 per
                                                                                             airplane.
A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -            9  3...................  $6,000 or $11,100     Between $55,620 and
 342.                                                                  (depending on         101,520; or $6,180
                                                                       airplane              and $11,280 per
                                                                       configuration).       airplane (depending
                                                                                             on airplane
                                                                                             configuration).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The cost impact figures in the table 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 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
      Model and series           airplanes        Excluding airplanes
                               modified per--       equipped with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4           Airbus           None.
                               Modification
                               No. 12236 in
                               service
                               (reference
                               Airbus Service
                               Bulletin A300-
                               34-0166, dated
                               March 30,
                               2001, in
                               service).
-----------------------------

[[Page 35189]]

 
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R,    Airbus           None.
 and A300 F4-600R              Modification
 (collectively called A300-    No. 11858 in
 600)                          production
                               (reference
                               Airbus Service
                               Bulletin A300-
                               34-6116, 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; or
                               Revision 01,
                               dated February
                               20, 2002); and
                               on which
                               concurrent
                               incorporation
                               of Airbus
                               repair
                               procedures to
                               enlarge the
                               holes for the
                               pitot probes
                               was
                               accomplished;
                               in service;
                               or
                              Airbus
                               Modification
                               No. 12223 in
                               service
                               (reference
                               Airbus Service
                               Bulletin A300-
                               34-6141,
                               Revision 02,
                               dated April
                               30, 2002; or
                               Revision 03,
                               dated August
                               27, 2002; in
                               service).
-----------------------------
A310                          Airbus           None.
                               Modification
                               No. 11858 in
                               production
                               (reference
                               Airbus Service
                               Bulletin 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
                               No. 12223 in
                               service
                               (reference
                               Airbus Service
                               Bulletin A310-
                               32-2154, dated
                               January 13,
                               2000; Revision
                               01, dated
                               April 19,
                               2000; Revision
                               02, dated
                               November 05,
                               2001; or
                               Revision 03,
                               dated January
                               25, 2002); and
                               on which
                               concurrent
                               incorporation
                               of Airbus
                               repair
                               procedures to
                               enlarge the
                               holes for the
                               pitot probes
                               were
                               accomplished;
                               in service;
                               or
                              Airbus
                               Modification
                               12223 in
                               service
                               (reference
                               Airbus A310-32-
                               2154, Revision
                               04, dated
                               April 30,
                               2002; Revision
                               05, dated July
                               9, 2002;
                               Revision 06,
                               dated August
                               6, 2002; or
                               Revision 07,
                               dated October
                               8, 2002; in
                               service).
-----------------------------
A319, A320, and A321          Airbus           Rosemount (formerly BF
                               Modification     Goodrich or New
                               25998 in         Rosemount) pitot probes
                               production       part number 0851HL per
                               (reference       Airbus Modification No.
                               Airbus Service   25578 (reference Airbus
                               Bulletin A320-   Service Bulletin A320-34-
                               34-1127, dated   1170, dated April 12,
                               April 24,        1979; Revision 01, dated
                               1997, in         March 14, 1980; Revision
                               service);        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,   Airbus           None.
 and -342                      Modification
                               No. 44836 in
                               production
                               (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).
-----------------------------
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, - Airbus           None.
 312, and -313                 Modification
                               44836 in
                               production
                               (reference
                               Airbus Service
                               Bulletin A340-
                               34-4042, dated
                               November 19,
                               1996, in
                               service);
                               or

[[Page 35190]]

 
                              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 seriously misleading information being provided to 
the flightcrew, 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 
Thales (formerly Sextant) pitot probes from the forward fuselage 
panel between FR6 and FR7 with new Rosemount (formerly 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 Thales (formerly Sextant) pitot probes from 
the forward fuselage panel between FR6 and FR7 with Thales or 
Sextant pitot probes (including O-rings, gaskets, and nuts) per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6141, Revision 03, dated August 27, 
2002 (for Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes); or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-34-2154, Revision 07, dated October 8, 2002 (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)(2) 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 with new parts; 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 
(formerly 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 Rosemount (formerly 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 Thales (formerly 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 Rosemount (formerly 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 Thales 
(formerly 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (j) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a

[[Page 35191]]

location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Note 3:
    The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness 
directives 2001-362(B), dated August 8, 2001; and 2001-265(B) R2, 
dated November 23, 2002.



    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 6, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-14849 Filed 6-11-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U