[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 181 (Monday, September 21, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48024-48028]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-22667]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0789; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-185-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2-203, B2K-
3C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-2C Airplanes; Model A310 Airplanes; and Model 
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, and B4-622R Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    Cracks have been found on pylon side panels (upper section) at 
rib 8 on Airbus A300, A310 and A300-600 aircraft equipped with 
General Electric engines. Investigation of these findings indicates 
that this problem is likely to affect aircraft of this type design 
with other engine installations. This condition, if not corrected, 
can lead to reduced strength [structural integrity] of the pylon 
primary structure.

The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the pylon 
primary structure, which could cause detachment of the engine from the 
fuselage. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to 
address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information 
identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness 
Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; 
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; e-mail: 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0789; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-185-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We have lengthened the 30-day comment period for proposed ADs that 
address MCAI originated by aviation authorities of other countries to 
provide adequate time for interested parties to submit comments. The 
comment period for these proposed ADs is now typically 45 days, which 
is consistent with the comment period for domestic transport ADs.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0181, dated October 1, 2008 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Cracks have been found on pylon side panels (upper section) at 
rib 8 on Airbus A300, A310 and A300-600 aircraft equipped with 
General Electric engines. Investigation of these findings indicates 
that this problem is likely to affect aircraft of this type design 
with other engine installations. This condition, if not corrected, 
can lead to reduced strength [structural integrity] of the pylon 
primary structure.
    In order to detect any crack propagation at an early stage, thus 
avoiding an extensive repair, Airbus issued Service Bulletins (SB) 
A300-54-0075, A310-54-2018 and A300-54-6015. * * *
    This AD requires the implementation of this * * * inspection 
programme.

The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the pylon 
primary structure, which could cause detachment of the engine from the 
fuselage. Required actions include repetitive detailed visual 
inspections, or repetitive eddy current and detailed visual 
inspections, to detect cracks, depending on the airplane configuration, 
and corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include 
repairing the cracking, and

[[Page 48025]]

contacting Airbus for repair instructions and doing the repair, as 
applicable.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A300-54-0075, A310-
54-2018, and A300-54-6015, all Revision 02, all including Appendices 1, 
2, and 3, all dated June 26, 2008. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.
    Depending on the model and engine type, the initial compliance 
times for doing the inspections range between 9,300 flight cycles since 
doing the repair or modification and 22,600 flight cycles or 45,200 
flight hours, whichever occurs first, since doing the repair or 
modification; the repetitive intervals are between 5,300 flight cycles 
and 33,900 flight cycles or 67,800 flight hours, whichever occurs 
first.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 230 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $73,600, or $320 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2009-0789; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-
185-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 5, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of 
this AD.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, A300 B2-203, A300 B2K-3C, A300 B4-
103, A300 B4-203, and A300 B4-2C airplanes, all serial numbers 
incorporating Airbus modification 02434 or 03599;
    (2) Airbus Model A310-203, A310-204, A310-221, A310-222, A310-
304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 airplanes, all serial numbers, 
except airplanes incorporating Airbus modification 10432;
    (3) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-605R, A300 
B4-620, A300 B4-622, and A300 B4-622R airplanes, all serial numbers, 
except airplanes incorporating Airbus modification 10432.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54: 
Nacelles/Pylons.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Cracks have been found on pylon side panels (upper section) at 
rib 8 on Airbus A300, A310 and A300-600 aircraft equipped with 
General Electric engines. Investigation of these findings indicates 
that this problem is likely to affect aircraft of this type design 
with other engine installations. This condition, if not corrected, 
can lead to reduced strength [structural integrity] of the pylon 
primary structure.
    In order to detect any crack propagation at an early stage, thus 
avoiding an extensive repair, Airbus issued Service Bulletins (SB) 
A300-54-0075, A310-54-2018 and A300-54-6015. * * *
    This AD requires the implementation of this * * * inspection 
programme.

The unsafe condition is reduced structural integrity of the pylon 
primary structure, which could cause detachment of the engine from 
the fuselage. Required actions include repetitive detailed visual 
inspections, or repetitive eddy current and detailed visual 
inspections, to detect cracks, depending on the airplane 
configuration, and corrective

[[Page 48026]]

actions if necessary. The corrective actions include repairing the 
cracking, and contacting Airbus for repair instructions and doing 
the repair, as applicable.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) For Configuration 01 airplanes as identified in the 
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD: At the 
applicable time specified in Table 1 of this AD, except as required 
by paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD, perform a detailed 
visual inspection of the pylons 1 and 2 side panels (upper section) 
at rib 8, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD. Repeat 
the inspection at the time specified in Table 1 of this AD.

                                  Table 1--Compliance Times for Configuration 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                And repeat the
                                       That have      Inspect before the                         inspection at
           For model--               accumulated--     accumulation of--      Or within--      intervals not to
                                                                                                   exceed--
 
                                                     ---------Whichever occurs later---------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2-1C, B2-203, and B2K-3C    <=17,500 total      5,350 total flight  2,500 flight        4,300 flight
 airplanes.                        flight cycles \1\.  cycles.             cycles \2\.         cycles.
A300 B2-1C, B2-203, and B2K-3C    >17,500 total       20,000 total        250 flight cycles   4,300 flight
 airplanes.                        flight \1\.         flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles.
                                                       40,000 total
                                                       flight hours,
                                                       whichever occurs
                                                       first.
A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C    <=18,000 total      5,350 total flight  2,000 flight        4,300 flight
 airplanes.                        flight cycles \1\.  cycles.             cycles \2\.         cycles.
A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C    >18,000 total       20,000 total        250 flight cycles   4,300 flight
 airplanes.                        flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles.
                                                       40,000 total
                                                       flight hours,
                                                       whichever occurs
                                                       first.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4- <=18,000 total      4,200 total flight  2,000 flight        3,600 flight
 620, B4-622, and B4-622R          flight cycles \1\.  cycles.             cycles \2\.         cycles.
 airplanes.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4- >18,000 total       20,000 total        250 flight cycles   3,600 flight
 620, B4-622, and B4-622R          flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles.
 airplanes.                                            40,000 total
                                                       flight hours,
                                                       whichever occurs
                                                       first.
A310-200 airplanes with GE CF6-   <=18,000 total      9,700 total flight  1,500 flight        6,700 flight
 80A3 or Pratt & Whitney engines.  flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 19,400    cycles \2\.         cycles or 13,400
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.
A310-200 airplanes with GE CF6-   >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   6,700 flight
 80A3 or Pratt & Whitney engines.  flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 13,400
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
A310-200 airplanes with GE CF6-   <=18,000 total      7,800 total flight  1,500 flight        5,800 flight
 80C2 engines.                     flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 15,600    cycles \2\.         cycles or 11,600
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.
A310-200 airplanes with GE CF6-   >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   5,800 flight
 80C2 engines.                     flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 11,600
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
A310-300 SR \3\ airplanes with    <=18,000 total      8,600 total flight  1,500 total flight  6,700 flight
 Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines.     flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 24,000    cycles \2\.         cycles or 18,700
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.
A310-300 SR \3\ airplanes with    >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   6,700 flight
 Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines.     flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 18,700
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
A310-300 SR \3\ airplanes with    <=18,000 total      7,000 total flight  1,500 flight        5,700 flight
 GE engines.                       flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 19,600    cycles \2\.         cycles or 15,900
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.
A310-300 SR \2\ airplanes with    >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   5,700 flight
 GE engines.                       flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 15,900
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
A310-300 SR \3\ airplanes with    <=18,000 total      7,000 total flight  1,500 flight        5,800 flight
 Pratt & Whitney 4000 engines.     flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 19,600    cycles \2\.         cycles or 16,200
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.
A310-300 SR \3\ airplanes with    >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   5,800 flight
 Pratt & Whitney 4000 engines.     flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 16,200
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
A310-300 LR \4\ airplanes with    <=18,000 total      5,900 total flight  1,500 flight        6,000 flight
 Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines.     flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 29,500    cycles \2\.         cycles or 30,300
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.
A310-300 LR \4\ airplanes with    >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   6,000 flight
 Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines.     flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 30,300
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
A310-300 LR \4\ airplanes with    <=18,000 total      4,800 total flight  1,500 flight        5,100 flight
 GE engines.                       flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 24,100    cycles \2\.         cycles or 25,500
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.

[[Page 48027]]

 
A310-300 LR \4\ airplanes with    >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   5,100 flight
 GE engines.                       flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 25,500
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
A310-300 LR \4\ airplanes with    <=18,000 total      4,800 total flight  1,500 flight        5,200 flight
 Pratt & Whitney 4000 engines.     flight cycles \1\.  cycles or 24,000    cycles \2\.         cycles or 26,300
                                                       total flight                            flight hours,
                                                       hours, whichever                        whichever occurs
                                                       occurs first.                           first.
A310-300 LR \4\ airplanes with    >18,000 total       19,500 total        250 flight cycles   5,200 flight
 Pratt & Whitney 4000 engines.     flight cycles \1\.  flight cycles or    \2\.                cycles or 26,300
                                                       55,500 total                            flight hours,
                                                       flight hours,                           whichever occurs
                                                       whichever occurs                        first.
                                                       first.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ As of the effective date of this AD
\2\ After the effective date of this AD
\3\ ``SR'' applies to airplanes with average flights less than 4 flight hours.
\4\ ``LR'' refers to airplanes with average flights of 4 or more flight hours.

    (2) For Model A300 and A300-600 airplanes that have accumulated 
more than 40,000 total flight hours as of the effective date of this 
AD: Within 250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (3) For Model A310 airplanes that have accumulated more than 
55,500 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: 
Within 250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (4) For Configuration 01 airplanes, as identified in the 
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD: If a 
crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, before 
further flight, install a doubler, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 2 of this AD.
    (5) For Configuration 02 airplanes, as identified in the 
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD: At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.(2) of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD, or within 250 
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, perform a detailed visual inspection of the pylons 1 and 2 
side panels (upper section) at rib 8, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 2 of this AD.
    (6) For Configuration 03 airplanes, as identified in the 
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD: At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.(2) of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD, or within 250 
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, perform a detailed visual inspection, and a high frequency 
eddy current inspection as applicable, of the pylons 1 and 2 side 
panels (upper section) at rib 8, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 2 of this AD.
    (7) For Configuration 02 and 03 airplanes, as identified in the 
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD: If a 
crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1), 
(f)(5), or (f)(6) of this AD, before further flight, repair in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD.
    (8) For all airplanes, except those in Configuration 01, as 
identified in the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 
of this AD: Repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (f)(1), 
(f)(5), or (f)(6) of this AD, as applicable, at the intervals 
specified in paragraph 1.E.(2) of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 2 of this AD.

                                           Table 2--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Use Airbus mandatory
             For model--                  Service Bulletin--        Revision--                Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2-1C, B2-203, B2K-3C, B4-103,    A300-54-0075, excluding                02  June 26, 2008.
 B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes.           Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
A310 airplanes.......................  A310-54-2018, excluding                02  June 26, 2008.
                                        Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620,  A300-54-6015, excluding                02  June 26, 2008.
 B4-622, and B4-622R airplanes.         Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (9) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished prior to 
the effective date of this AD in accordance with the service 
bulletins identified in Table 3 of this AD, as applicable to 
airplane model, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
requirements of this AD.

                                       Table 3--Airbus Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service Bulletin--                         Revision--                            Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-0075..  Original...........................  August 11, 1993.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300- 01.................................  November 9, 2007.
 54-0075.
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-54-2018..  Original...........................  August 11, 1993.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310- 01.................................  November 16, 2007.
 54-2018.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-6015..  Original...........................  August 11, 1993.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300- 01.................................  November 9, 2007.
 54-6015.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 48028]]

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: Although the MCAI/service information allows 
further flight after cracks are found during compliance with certain 
actions, this AD requires that you repair the crack(s) before 
further flight.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Dan 
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Before 
using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, 
notify your appropriate principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0181, dated October 1, 2008; and the 
service bulletins identified in Table 2 of this AD; for related 
information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 11, 2009.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-22667 Filed 9-18-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P