Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15013 · Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes Equipped With General Electric CF6-50 Engines
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes Equipped With General Electric CF6-50 Engines
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B-2 and B-4 series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with General Electric CF6-50 engines.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-50 engines. That AD currently requires deactivating both thrust reversers and revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to require performance penalties during certain takeoff conditions to ensure that safe and appropriate performance is achieved for airplanes on which both thrust reversers have been deactivated. This new AD requires one-time inspections of the directional pilot valve (DPV), the rocker arm and associated hardware, and corrective actions if necessary; reactivation of both thrust reversers; and repetitive inspections of the DPV and the associated control mechanism of the thrust reversers for incorrect assembly or excessive wear, and corrective actions if necessary. Accomplishing all of the actions would allow the removal of the AFM limitations in the existing AD. This AD results from reports indicating that the DPV was assembled incorrectly; further investigation revealed excessive wear on certain correctly assembled DPVs and the associated control mechanism. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded in-flight deployment of a thrust reverser, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 72 clock hours after May 6, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-08-51), accomplish paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
(1) Deactivate both thrust reversers according to Airbus All Operators Telex A300/78A0023, dated April 5, 2002.
(2) Revise the Limitations Section of the AFM to include the following (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM):
“When the runway is wet or contaminated, reduce by five percent the corrected acceleration-stop distance resulting from the airplane flight manual takeoff performance analysis.
(Note: This supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).)”
Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD in consecutive order, in accordance with the procedures specified in Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-78A0024, dated May 29, 2002, which ends the requirements in paragraph (f) of this AD.
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the DPV on each thrust reverser for incorrect assembly, incorrect diameter, or excessive wear, by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight.
(2) Do a detailed inspection of the rocker arm of the DPV for excessive wear by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight.
(3) Reactivate both thrust reversers and do a one-time operational test before further flight.
Note 1: Airbus AOT A300-78A0024, dated May 29, 2002, refers to Middle River Aircraft Systems CF6-50 Alert Service Bulletin 78A3040, Revision 2, dated June 18, 2004 (including Honeywell Service Bulletin 121332-78-1620, Revision 2, dated June 18, 2004), as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the inspections.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, or within 8,000 flight hours after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, whichever is first: Do a detailed inspection of the DPV and the associated control mechanism of the thrust reverser for incorrect assembly or excessive wear, by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-78-0025, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated February 16, 2005. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight; however, the affected thrust reverser may be deactivated and the airplane operated in accordance with the limitations of the MMEL for operations with one or more thrust reversers inoperative. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight hours.
Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-78-0025, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2005, refers to Middle River Aircraft Systems Component Maintenance Manual 78-31-06, Revision 10, dated May 31, 2005, as an additional source of service information for replacing defective components.
(i) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-78-0025, dated July 21, 2004, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraph (h) of 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.
