Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16255 · Flight controls
Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This 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:
Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 4,000 flight hours after the last THSA overhaul or within 250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform an on-airplane phasing inspection of the THSA, and a magnetic plug inspection for metal particles on the drain plug of the THSA, using detailed inspection methods, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-27-0201, dated March 9, 2009.
(i) If the THSA passes the phasing inspection, but the magnetic plug inspection reveals metal particles that are equal to or less than 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) × 0.5 mm (0.0196 in.), and the depth of the particle layer does not exceed 1 mm (0.0393 in.), repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight hours in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-27-0201, dated March 9, 2009.
(ii) If the THSA passes the phasing inspection, but the magnetic plug inspection reveals metal particles with dimensions greater than 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) × 0.5 mm (0.0196 in.), or a layer of particles with a depth greater than 1 mm (0.0393 in.) is found, before further flight, replace the THSA with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-27-0201, dated March 9, 2009.
(iii) If the THSA fails the phasing inspection and the magnetic plug inspection reveals metal particles that are equal to or less than 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) × 0.5 mm (0.0196 in.), and the depth of the particle layer does not exceed 1 mm (0.0393 in.), within 500 flight hours after the inspection, replace the THSA with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-27-0201, dated March 9, 2009.
(iv) If the THSA fails the phasing inspection and the magnetic plug inspection reveals metal particles with dimensions greater than 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) × 0.5 mm (0.0196 in.), or a layer of particles with a depth greater than 1 mm (0.0393 in.) is found, before further flight, replace the THSA with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-27-0201, dated March 9, 2009.
Note 1: 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 a mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
Note 2: A “serviceable” THSA is one that has a correct hydraulic motor phasing and no particles or few particles with maximum dimensions of 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) x 0.5 mm (0.0196 in.) and a layer of particles with a maximum depth of 1 mm (0.0393 in.) found on the magnetic plug.
(2) Within 2,500 flight hours after replacing any THSA, perform a phasing inspection of the THSA, and a magnetic plug inspection for metal particles on the drain plug of the THSA, as specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. Replacing the THSA, as required by paragraphs (f)(1)(ii), (f)(1)(iii), and (f)(1)(iv) of this AD, as applicable, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a replacement THSA on any airplane, unless it has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (f)(1)(iv), as applicable, of this AD.
(4) Within 3 weeks after removal of a THSA unit from an airplane, send it to the THSA manufacturer, Goodrich Actuation Systems, Stafford Road Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV10 7EH, England.
(5) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD to the Manager, Airbus Customer Service Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France; telephone +33 5 61 93 33 33; telex AIRBU 530526F; fax +33 5 61 93 42 51; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(5)(i) or (f)(5)(ii) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results (including no findings), and replacement or actions to be done.
(i) For any inspection done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) For any inspection done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
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.
