Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13696 · Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4 605R Variant F, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4 605R Variant F, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series Airplanes
All Model A300 B2 series airplanes; Model A300 B4 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4 605R Variant F, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2 series airplanes; Model A300 B4 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4 605R Variant F, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; that requires inspection of the label of certain slat friction brakes for correct label wording, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides for optional terminating actions for certain repetitive corrective actions. These actions are necessary to find and fix incorrect labels on the housings of the slat friction brakes, which may lead to the use of unapproved oil in the brakes. Use of unapproved oil could affect the efficiency of the brakes and lead to failure of the brakes to maintain proper slat orientation in the event of a rupture of the slat drive shaft, consequent uncommanded retraction of the slat, and reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent the possible use of unqualified oil in the slat friction brakes, which could cause failure of the brakes to maintain proper slat orientation in the event of a rupture of the slat drive shaft, consequent uncommanded retraction of the slats, and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) The term AOT as used in this AD means paragraph 4.3, “Description,” of the following, as applicable:
(1) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes: Airbus AOT 27A0199, Revision 01, dated February 5, 2003.
(2) For Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes: Airbus AOT 27A6055, Revision 01, dated February 5, 2003.
(b) Within 3 weeks from the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of the label on the housings of the slat friction brakes for correct wording, in accordance with the applicable AOT. Accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (d)(2) of this AD prior to further flight after accomplishing paragraph (b) eliminates the requirement for paragraph (c) of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “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 enhance visual access to all exposed 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.”
(c) If the wording of the label is found to be incorrect during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to further flight, remove the label, then perform the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD in accordance with the applicable AOT, or perform the actions specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
(1) Within 500 flight hours after removing the incorrect label, apply a correctly worded label to the housing.
(2) Prior to further flight after removing the label, drain the friction brake and refill with Exxon 2120 oil.
(3) Prior to further flight after removing the label, verify the torque of the friction brake.
(i) If the torque is within the limits specified in the applicable AOT, repeat the torque verification thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, until the optional terminating actions specified in paragraph (d) of this AD have been accomplished.
(ii) If the torque is not within the limits specified in the applicable AOT, prior to further flight, replace the friction brake with a new brake in accordance with the applicable AOT. Accomplishment of this replacement terminates the requirement for the repetitive torque verification for that brake.
(d) Accomplishment of either paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD terminates the repetitive torque verification required by paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this AD.
(1) Analyze the oil drained from the friction brake.
(i) If the oil is Exxon 2120, no further action is required by this AD.
(ii) If the oil is not Exxon 2120, prior to further flight, replace the friction brake as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
(2) Replace the friction brake with a new brake in accordance with the applicable AOT.
(e) Although the referenced AOTs describes procedures for submitting oil drained from the friction brakes to the brake manufacturer for analysis, this AD does not require that the manufacturer be the sole source of such analysis.
(f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
