AD 92-08-10

92-08-10 AIRBUS: Amendment 39-8221. Docket No. 91-NM-201-AD.

Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes; equipped with pilot and copilot seats manufactured by Sogerma-Socea, as listed in Sogerma-Socea Service Bulletin 25- 188, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1991; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent reduced ability of the flight crew to control the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) in accordance with Sogerma-Socea Service Bulletin 25-188, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1991:

(1) Perform a visual inspection to detect damage to the aft electrical stop switch (switch reference 3 in Figure 1 of the service bulletin). Prior to further flight, replace any damaged switches found, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(2) Determine the manufacturer's serial number on the pilot's andcopilot's seats. If the seats have serial numbers that are less than number 261, or if the horizontal actuator has been replaced, accomplish the following: (i) Measure the amount of clearance between the electrical stop and the mechanical stop of the horizontal actuator. (ii) If the clearance is less than 4mm, prior to further flight, adjust the clearance to more than 4mm in accordance with the service bulletin. (iii) If there is no clearance, prior to further flight, replace the horizontal actuator and adjust the clearance to the proper dimension when fitting the new horizontal actuator, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. The request shall be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or commentand then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Sogerma-Socea Service Bulletin 25-188, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1991. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, Airbus Support Division, Avenue Didier Daurat, 31700 Blagnac, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street NW., Room 8401, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1992.