AD 2006-22-03

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 208 (Friday, October 27, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62890-62895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: E6-17661]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21343; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-117-AD; 
Amendment 39-14800; AD 2006-22-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes 
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 62891]]

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus models, as specified above. This AD requires modifying 
the aft pressure bulkhead for improved corrosion protection and 
drainage, and related concurrent actions. This AD results from severe 
corrosion found in the lower rim area of the aft pressure bulkhead 
during routine maintenance of an airplane. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent corrosion on the inner rim angle and cleat profile splice of 
the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in the loss of airplane 
structural integrity.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 1, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of December 1, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://dms.dot.gov">http://dms.dot.gov</a> or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the 
Internet at <a href="http://dms.dot.gov">http://dms.dot.gov</a> or in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model 
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); 
and Model A310 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on June 3, 2005 (70 FR 32547). That NPRM proposed to require 
modifying the aft pressure bulkhead for improved corrosion protection 
and drainage, and related concurrent actions.

Actions Since NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, Airbus has released Service Bulletin 
A310-53-2025, Revision 06, dated August 3, 2006. In the NPRM, we 
referred to Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2025, Revision 5, dated 
March 24, 1989, as the appropriate source of service information for 
modifying the aft pressure bulkhead to improve the fatigue life of the 
attachment angles at frame (FR)80/82 on Model A310 series airplanes. 
The procedures in Revision 06 are essentially the same as those in 
Revision 5. Therefore, we have revised Table 1 of this AD to refer to 
Revision 06 as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishing the modification on Model A310 series airplanes. We have 
also added a new paragraph (k) to this AD, which gives credit for 
actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance 
with Revision 5.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Use Alternative Sealant

    FedEx requests that we revise the NPRM to identify an alternative 
to sealant PR-2752 (consumable material list (CML) 09-035), since it is 
not available from any worldwide source. FedEx states that Airbus has 
identified an alternative sealant for use on FedEx's airplanes. 
However, that sealant has an 1,800-flight-cycle life limit, which 
creates an undue burden on FedEx's operational planning of airplane 
downtime and resources. FedEx also states that the FAA issued 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) letter ANM-116-04-175, dated 
May 27, 2004, allowing use of that same alternative sealant, which 
requires repetitively resealing the applicable areas within intervals 
of 1,800 flight cycles. FedEx asserts that sealant PR-2752, due to its 
brittleness and low elongation properties, tends to separate from the 
structure, creating a moisture trap that leads to corrosion. FedEx 
proposes substituting sealant PR-2752 with an epoxy adhesive like 3M 
Scotch-Weld EC-2216 to maintain an adequate level of safety and meet 
design parameters.
    We partially agree. Since we issued the NPRM, Airbus has identified 
another alternative to sealant PR-2752. Sealant MC-650B (CML 09-056), 
from Chemetall, should be available in December of 2006. Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-53-2025, Revision 06, which we described previously, 
already specifies using MC-650B. Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
53-6006, Revision 3, dated March 24, 1989, specifies using sealant PR-
2752, Airbus does not intend to revise this service bulletin because 
all affected Model A300-600 series airplanes have been modified 
already. Airbus has advised us that it does intend to revise Airbus 
Service Bulletins A300-53-6017 and A310-53-2036, both Revision 02, both 
dated February 25, 2004, to specify using sealant MC-650B. We have 
revised paragraph (g) of this AD to allow use of sealant MC-650B as an 
alternative to sealant PR-2752.

Request To Withdraw NPRM

    FedEx requests that we withdraw the NPRM. As justification, FedEx 
states that, due to the complex structural configuration of the aft 
pressure bulkhead between FR80 and FR82 and the use of several 
different compounds for modification of the drain hole, the referenced 
service bulletins in the NPRM need to identify additional work 
instructions and substitute materials. In addition, FedEx asserts that 
removal of sealants, especially sealant PR-2752, could cause more 
surface protection damage because of the complexity of the joint. FedEx 
further requests that we coordinate with the Direction Generale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for 
France, to ask Airbus to develop a better solution for the application 
of corrosion-inhibiting compounds and sealants in the discrepant area.
    We do not agree to withdraw the NPRM. As stated previously, Airbus 
has either revised or intends to revise the referenced service 
bulletins to identify an alternative sealant. Also, the revised service 
bulletins use specific indicators and criteria to avoid removing the 
sealant if it is not necessary. These changes should alleviate the 
complexity of the service bulletins. We have not changed this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Harmonize Various Service Bulletins and ADs

    FedEx requests that we harmonize the modification and inspection 
programs of several service bulletins and ADs that address corrosion in 
the aft pressure bulkhead. For Model A300-600 series airplanes, FedEx 
cites Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6006, Revision 3, dated March 
24, 1989; A300-53-6017, Revision 02, dated February 25, 2004; and A300-
53-6136, dated October 27, 2004. For Model A310 series airplanes, FedEx 
cites Airbus Service Bulletins

[[Page 62892]]

A310-53-2025, Revision 5, dated March 24, 1989; A310-53-2036, Revision 
02, dated February 25, 2004; and A310-53-2114, dated October 27, 2004. 
FedEx also cites AD 88-06-03, amendment 39-5871 (53 FR 7730, March 10, 
1988), and AD 98-19-22, amendment 39-10763 (63 FR 49656, September 17, 
1998).
    We disagree and have not revised this AD in this regard. Although 
the various service bulletins and ADs involve work in the area of the 
aft pressure bulkhead, they address unsafe conditions related to either 
corrosion or fatigue. Also, the affected airplanes in the various 
service bulletins and ADs are different. This AD and AD 88-06-03 both 
refer to Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2025 as the appropriate source 
of service information for modifying the attachment of the rear 
pressure bulkhead to FR80/82. This AD requires Revision 06 of that 
service bulletin, while AD 88-06-03 requires the original issue, dated 
April 21, 1986, or Revision 3, dated April 7, 1987. However, we 
specified in the NPRM that paragraph (i) of this AD provides credit for 
accomplishment of paragraph A.2. of AD 88-06-03. AD 88-06-03 also 
refers to Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2024, Revision 1, dated June 
20, 1986; or Revision 3, dated February 17, 1987; as appropriate 
sources of service information for accomplishing repetitive inspections 
of the rear pressure bulkhead for cracks. We issued AD 88-06-03 to 
improve the fatigue life of the attachment angles at FR80/82 on certain 
Model A310 series airplanes.
    AD 98-19-22 refers to Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6066 and 
A310-53-2092, both dated October 16, 1996; and Revision 01, both dated 
March 11, 1998; as appropriate sources of service information for 
accomplishing repetitive inspections to detect corrosion of the lower 
rim area of the aft pressure bulkhead. After we issued AD 98-19-22, 
severe corrosion was found on certain airplanes that were inspected 
previously in accordance with that AD. Based on those findings, we 
determined that the inspection methods in AD 98-19-22 were obsolete and 
inadequate, and that a new inspection program was necessary. 
Subsequently, we issued AD 2005-26-16, amendment 39-14437 (70 FR 77307, 
December 30, 2005), to supersede AD 98-19-22. The inspections required 
by AD 98-19-22, which refers to Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6066 
and A310-53-2092, were not retained in AD 2005-26-16. AD 2005-26-16 
instead refers to Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6136, Revision 01, 
dated July 18, 2005; and A310-53-2114, Revision 01, dated September 1, 
2005; as the appropriate sources of service information for 
accomplishing the actions in that AD. Further, Airbus has informed us 
that it issued Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 and A310-53-2114 
to supersede Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6066 and A310-53-2092. 
The table below provides an overview of the ADs we have issued.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Refers to airbus
                AD--                   service bulletin--        Requiring--                Addressing--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
88-06-03...........................  A310-53-2024,          Repetitive             Fatigue.
                                      Revision 1 and         inspections.
                                      Revision 3.
                                     A310-53-2025,          Modification.........  Fatigue.
                                      original issue and
                                      Revision 3.
98-19-22 (superseded by AD 2005-26-  A300-53-6066,          Repetitive             Corrosion.
 16).                                 original issue and     inspections.
                                      Revision 01.
                                     A310-53-2092,          Repetitive             Corrosion.
                                      original issue and     inspections.
                                      Revision 01.
2005-26-16.........................  A300-53-6136,          Repetitive             Corrosion.
                                      Revision 01.           inspections with
                                                             reduced intervals.
                                     A310-53-2114,          Repetitive             Corrosion.
                                      Revision 01.           inspections with
                                                             reduced intervals.
This AD............................  A300-53-6017,          Modification.........  Corrosion.
                                      Revision 02.          Modification.........  Corrosion.
                                     A310-53-2036,          Modification.........  Fatigue.
                                      Revision 02.          Modification.........  Fatigue.
                                     A300-53-6006,
                                      Revision 3.
                                     A310-53-2025,
                                      Revision 06.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Request for Credit for Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6066 and A310-
53-2092

    FedEx requests that we give credit for accomplishment of Airbus 
Service Bulletins A300-53-6066 and A310-53-2092. FedEx states that 
these service bulletins are referenced in AD 98-19-22 and also involve 
the lower rim area of the pressure bulkhead.
    We disagree. As discussed previously, the repetitive inspections 
specified in Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6066 and A310-53-2092 are 
obsolete and inadequate for addressing corrosion at the lower rim area 
of the rear pressure bulkhead. Further, the referenced service 
bulletins in this AD are intended to not only improve the corrosion 
protection at the lower rim area of the aft pressure bulkhead, but to 
also improve the fatigue life of the attachment angles at FR80/82. We 
have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Refer to Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 and A310-53-
2114

    FedEx requests that we revise Table 1 of the NPRM to refer to 
Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 and A310-53-2114, both dated 
October 27, 2004, instead of Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6006, 
Revision 3, dated March 24, 1989 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); 
and A310-53-2025, Revision 5, dated March 24, 1989 (for Model A310 
series airplanes). (In the NPRM, we referred to Airbus Service 
Bulletins A300-53-6006, Revision 3; and A310-53-2025, Revision 5; as 
appropriate sources of service information for accomplishing certain 
related concurrent actions.) As justification, FedEx states that Airbus 
Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 and A310-53-2114 were issued to address 
incomplete adhesion of sealant and damage caused to surface protection 
during cleaning of the drain hole, or during accomplishment of Airbus 
Service Bulletins A300-53-6006 and A310-53-2025. FedEx states that 
Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 and A310-53-2114 also involve 
inspections for corrosion in the lower rim angle area of the rear 
pressure bulkhead. FedEx further requests that we coordinate with 
Airbus and the DGAC to address the apparent discrepancy between Airbus 
Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 and A300-53-6006 and between Airbus 
Service Bulletins and A310-53-2025 and A310-53-2114.
    We do not agree to refer to Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 
and A310-53-2114 in this AD. As stated previously, AD 2005-26-16 
mandates

[[Page 62893]]

accomplishment of Revision 01 of Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 
and A310-53-2114, as applicable. Airbus has informed us that Airbus 
Service Bulletins A300-53-6136 and A310-53-2114 were issued to address 
corrosion prevention, while Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6006 and 
A310-53-2025 were issued to address an unsafe condition caused by 
fatigue. Airbus has also informed us that Airbus Service Bulletins 
A300-53-6136 and A310-53-2114 mention accomplishment of 6767yttyyAirbus 
Service Bulletins A300-53-6006 and A310-53-2025 only as possible 
sources for corrosion if surface protection is damaged. Airbus states 
that the service bulletins must be accomplished independently of each 
other. Therefore, we have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request for Credit for Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0218

    The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member ASTAR 
Air Cargo (ASTAR), questions the basis of the NPRM since Airbus has 
issued Service Bulletin A300-53-0218, Revision 02, dated May 10, 2005. 
ASTAR states that it has accomplished Revision 02 of the service 
bulletin and intends to use it to show compliance with the proposed 
requirements of the NPRM. We infer that ASTAR would like us to revise 
this AD to allow Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0218, Revision 02, as 
an acceptable method of compliance.
    We do not agree that Revision 02 of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
53-0218 is acceptable for complying with the requirements of this AD. 
For Model A300-600 series airplanes, this AD requires accomplishment of 
Airbus Service Bulletins A300-53-6017, Revision 02; and A300-53-6006, 
Revision 3. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6017 describes procedures 
for improving the corrosion protection at the aft pressure bulkhead and 
enlarging the drainholes for improved drainage. Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-53-6006 describes procedures for modifying the aft pressure 
bulkhead to improve the fatigue life of the attachment angles at FR80/
82. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0218 describes procedures for 
inspecting for corrosion and cracks in the upper rim area of the rear 
pressure bulkhead aft face, between stringer (STGR) 26 left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) and all service apertures, and removing corrosion 
and repairing as necessary. The service bulletins address different 
issues; therefore, we have not changed this AD in this regard.
    We point out that Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-218, Revision 1, 
July 28, 1989, is mandated by AD 90-03-08, amendment 39-6481 (55 FR 
1799, January 19, 1990). That AD applies to all Model A300 airplanes. 
That AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking and corrosion in 
the lower rim area of the rear pressure bulkhead and adjacent areas, 
repetitive inspections for cracking or corrosion in the service 
apertures and the upper rim area of the rear pressure bulkhead, and 
corrective actions if necessary. We issued AD 90-03-08 to prevent 
reduced structural capability of the fuselage and subsequent 
decompression of the airplane. Since we issued AD 90-03-08, we have 
issued an NPRM to supersede that AD. That NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on August 1, 2006 (71 FR 43386). That NPRM refers to 
Revision 02 of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0218 as the appropriate 
source of service information for accomplishing certain actions. The 
procedures in Revision 02 are essentially the same as those in Revision 
1, except that Revision 02 reduces the repetitive intervals for the 
eddy current inspections of the auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed-air 
line, removes certain airplanes from the inspection of the area between 
STGR 25 LH and RH, and removes certain airplanes from the inspection of 
the area between STGR 26 LH and RH.

Clarification of AMOC Paragraph

    We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure 
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs (at an average 
labor rate of $65 per hour) for U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         Number of
                                                                                                    Cost per airplane      U.S.-
              Models                      Action            Work hours \1\         Parts \1\               \1\           registered     Fleet cost \1\
                                                                                                                         airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-600 series airplanes........  Modification........  34.................  $1,200.............  $3,410.............            0  $0.
                                   Concurrent Actions    Between 590 and 660  Between $2,442 and   Between $40,792 and            0  ...................
                                    \1\.                                       $9,884.              $52,784.
A310 series airplanes............  Modification........  34.................  $1,200.............  $3,410.............           52  $177,320.
                                   Concurrent Actions    Between 590 and 660  Between $2,442 and   Between $40,792 and           52  Between $2,121,184
                                    \1\.                                       $9,884.              $52,784.                          and $2,744,768.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The number of work hours and estimated costs for concurrent actions depend on airplane configuration.

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 have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will

[[Page 62894]]

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 that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-22-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-14800. Docket No. FAA-2005-21343; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-117-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective December 1, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; except those 
modified in production by Airbus Modification 6788.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from severe corrosion found in the lower rim 
area of the aft pressure bulkhead during routine maintenance of an 
airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion on the inner 
rim angle and cleat profile splice of the aft pressure bulkhead, 
which could result in the loss of airplane structural integrity.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletin References

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins 
listed in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable:

                  Table 1.--Service Bulletin References
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Airbus service
            Models                 Requirement            bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-600 series airplanes.....  Paragraph (g) of   A300-53-6017,
                                 this AD.           Revision 02, dated
                                Paragraph (h) of    February 25, 2004.
                                 this AD.          A300-53-6006,
                                                    Revision 3, dated
                                                    March 24, 1989.
A310 series airplanes.........  Paragraph (g) of   A310-53-2036,
                                 this AD.           Revision 02, dated
                                Paragraph (h) of    February 25, 2004.
                                 this AD.          A310-53-2025,
                                                    Revision 06, dated
                                                    August 3, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modification To Improve Corrosion Protection and Drainage

    (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the aft pressure bulkhead for improved corrosion protection and 
drainage by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Where the service 
bulletin specifies to use sealant PR-2752 (consumable material list 
(CML) 09-035), sealant MC-650B (CML 09-056) may be used.

Concurrent Modification To Improve Attachment Angles

    (h) Before or concurrently with accomplishing the modification 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, modify the aft pressure 
bulkhead to improve the fatigue life of the attachment angles at 
frame (FR) 80/82 by doing all of the actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. 
Where the service bulletin specifies doing a visual inspection 
around the entire circumference between FR80/82 and the aft pressure 
bulkhead for damaged filler, do a general visual inspection.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Credit for Concurrent Actions

    (i) For Model A310 series airplanes, accomplishment of the 
actions specified in paragraph A.2. of AD 88-06-03, amendment 39-
5871 (53 FR 7730, March 10, 1988), is considered acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.

Credit for Previous Service Bulletins

    (j) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2036, Revision 01, 
dated October 9, 2003 (for Model A310 series airplanes), are 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD.
    (k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2025, Revision 5, 
dated March 24, 1989 (for Model A310 series airplanes), are 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (m) French airworthiness directive F-2004-004, dated January 7, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use the applicable service information identified 
in Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

[[Page 62895]]



              Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision
        Service bulletin           level                Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin, A300-           3  March 24, 1989.
 53-6006.
Airbus Service Bulletin, A300-          02  February 25, 2004.
 53-6017.
Airbus Service Bulletin, A310-          06  August 3, 2006.
 53-2025.
Airbus Service Bulletin, A310-          02  February 25, 2004.
 53-2036.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Airbus Service Bulletin, A300-53-6006, Revision 3, dated March 
24, 1989, contains the following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision
           Page Nos.            level shown       Date shown on page
                                  on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 29, 47, 48.................            3  March 24, 1989.
2-28, 30-46, 49-52............            2  August 11, 1988.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation 
by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. 
You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, 
Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at <a href="http://dms.dot.gov">http://dms.dot.gov</a>; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html</a>.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 11, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-17661 Filed 10-26-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P