AD 2011-22-04

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 29, 2011.

(b) None.

(c) This AD applies to airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.

(1) Airbus Model A310-203, A310-204, A310-221 and A310-222 airplanes (without trim tank), all serial numbers, except airplanes on which Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2143, dated July 20, 2005; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 03, dated November 18, 2009; have been done; certificated in any category.

(2) Model A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 airplanes (fitted with trim tank), all serial numbers, except airplanes on which Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2143, dated July 20, 2005; Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2153, dated July 20, 2005; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 310-28-2142, Revision 03, dated November 18, 2009; have been done; certificated in any category.

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel System.

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

[T]he FAA has published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88).

In their letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296, dated March 4th, 2002, and 04/00/02/07/03-L024, dated February 3rd, 2003, the [Joint Aviation Authorities] JAA recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA).

Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 or more, or a payload capacity of 3,402 kg (7,500 lb) or more which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks.

The unsafe condition is insufficient electrical bonding of the over-wing refueling cap adapter, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.

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

(g) For configuration 05 and 06 airplanes, as identified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 04, dated November 30, 2010, on which any Airbus service bulletin identified in table 1 of this AD has been done: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.

(1) For configuration 05 airplanes: Do a resistance check of the inboard and outboard over-wing refuel cap mounts between the flange face of the refuel insert and the wing, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 04, dated November 30, 2010.

(2) For configuration 06 airplanes: Do a resistance check of the outboard over-wing refuel cap mounts between the flange face of the refuel insert and the wing, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 04, dated November 30, 2010.

(h) If during any resistance measurement required by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, a resistance of 10 milliohm (mohm) or greater is found: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 04, dated November 30, 2010.

(i) Resistance measurements and corrective actions done in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 03, dated November 18, 2009, before the effective date of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding resistance measurements and corrective actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

Note 1:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows:

(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 04, dated November 30, 2010, specifies that if any resistance measurement is more than 10 mohm, corrective actions must be done. This AD specifies that if any resistance measurement is 10 mohm or greater, corrective actions must be done.

(2) Paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-0199, dated September 30, 2010, include actions that are not required in this AD. These actions are required by AD 2007-20-04, Amendment 39-15214 (72 FR 56258, October 3, 2007).

(j) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 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. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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.

(k) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0199, dated September 30, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 04, dated November 30, 2010.

(l) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 04, dated November 30, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) For service information identified in this 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: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet: http://www.airbus.com.

(3) You may review copies of the 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.

(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.