AD 93-01-21

93-01-21 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-8475. Docket 92-NM-244-AD.

Applicability: Model A320 series airplanes on which Modification 22561 has not been installed, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the smoke detection system to provide warning of a fire in the lavatory, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 450 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, perform a close visual inspection to detect damage or blockage of the flexible hoses that connect the smoke detector to the air extraction duct in each lavatory, and to detect contamination of the hoses, air extraction ducting, hose/duct connection, or inlet grid, in accordance with Airbus Industrie All Operator Telex (AOT) 26-07, dated October 6, 1992. (1) If any damaged hose is found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair or replace the damaged hose, in accordance with the AOT. If any damaged hose is repaired, that hose must then be replaced with a new hose within 400 hours time-in-service following the repair. (2) If any blocked hose or contaminated hose, air extraction ducting, hose/duct connection, or inlet grid is found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, clean the blocked or contaminated part, in accordance with the AOT.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained fromthe Standardization Branch.

(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, repair, and replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus Industrie All Operators Telex (AOT) 26-07, dated October 6, 1992. 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, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on February 10, 1993.