# AD 99-26-08: Rudder Trim Switch - Type: Airworthiness directive - Status: Current - Products: Airbus A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-605R, A300 B4-620, A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, A300 F4-622R, A310-203, A310-221, A310-222, A310-304, A310-322 and 2 more - Effective: January 25, 2000 - Published: December 21, 1999, 64 FR 71278–71280 - Issued: December 9, 1999 - Issued as: Final rule - Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD - Product type: Aircraft, Large airplane - Amendment: 39-11467 - Docket: 96-NM-194-AD - Registered aircraft: 122 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs) - Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/57/5d/575dc6a4d524cea3ed71ace2d9238104ec6389cb3e80bd57bd6d883acc76eb75 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1999-12-21/pdf/99-32508.pdf) - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1999/12/21/99-32508/airworthiness-directives-airbus-model-a310-and-a300-600-series-airplanes - FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/0E71ADEE400D8018862569770059F791.0001 - DRS record last changed: May 30, 2024 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-26-08 ## Summary This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, that requires replacement of the rudder trim switch in the flight compartment with a new switch having a longer shaft; modification of wiring in panel 408VU; and replacement of the rudder trim control knob with an improved new knob. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent inadvertent and uncommanded rudder trim activation, which could result in yaw and roll excursions and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. ## The airworthiness directive 99-26-08 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-11467. Docket 96-NM-194-AD. Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus Modification 11874 [reference Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27- 2087 (for Model A300 series airplanes) or A300-27-6042 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated October 2, 1998] has been accomplished. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent inadvertent and uncommanded rudder trim activation, which could result in yaw and roll excursions and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Corrective Actions (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, replace the rudder trim switch, part number (P/N) 097-023-00, in the flight compartment, with a new switch, P/N 097-023-01; and modify the wiring in panel 408VU; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27- 2084, Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27-6037, Revision 01 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated September 29, 1998; as applicable. NOTE 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service BulletinA310-27-2084 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27-6037 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated February 12, 1997; as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with that paragraph. (b) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the rudder trim control knob on the rudder trim switch with an improved new knob in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2087, Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27- 6042, Revision 01 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated February 17, 1999; as applicable. NOTE 3: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2087 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-27-6042 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both dated October 2, 1998; as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with that paragraph. Spares (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install in the flight compartment of any airplane a rudder trim switch having P/N 097-023-00. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International Branch, ANM-116. NOTE 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (f) The actions shall be done in accordancewith Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27- 2084, Revision 01, dated September 29, 1998; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6037, Revision 01, dated September 29, 1998; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2087, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6042, Revision 01, dated February 17, 1999; as applicable. 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, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 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. NOTE 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives 97-111- 219(B), dated May 7, 1997, and 1999-012-275(B), dated January 13, 1999. (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 25, 2000. ## Rule preamble ### Supplementary information A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on February 12, 1998 (63 FR 7076). That action proposed to require replacement of the rudder trim switch in the flight compartment with a new switch having a longer shaft; modification of wiring in panel 408VU; and replacement of the rudder trim control knob with an improved new knob. Comments Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the supplemental NPRM or the FAA s determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 90 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. Replacement of the rudder trim switch and modification of the wiring will take approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $37,800, or $420 per airplane. Replacement of the rudder trim control knob will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,400, or $60 per airplane. The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator wouldaccomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. Regulatory Impact The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for thisaction and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES." List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ## Affected data sheets (1) (OpenAirDocs) The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names. - [TCDS A35EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A35EU): Airbus SAS; names 14 of 17 models: A310-203, A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, A300 B4-601, A310-221, A300 B4-603, A310-324, A300 F4-622R… ## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs) Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. - Aircraft: 122 (122 by airframe model, 0 by engine model) - Makers: Airbus Industrie 74, Airbus 48 Models with the most aircraft: - [Airbus Industrie A300 F4-605R](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-industrie-a300-f4-605r): 36 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus A300 F4-622R](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-a300-f4-622r): 31 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Industrie A300 F4-622R](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-industrie-a300-f4-622r): 21 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus A300 B4-622R](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-a300-b4-622r): 11 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Industrie A300 B4-622R](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-industrie-a300-b4-622r): 10 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus A300 F4-605R](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-a300-f4-605r): 6 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Industrie A300 B4-605R](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-industrie-a300-b4-605r): 3 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Industrie A310-203](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-industrie-a310-203): 2 aircraft (airframe model) - [Airbus Industrie A310-222](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-industrie-a310-222): 2 aircraft (airframe model) All 9 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-26-08/models.md Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-26-08/aircraft.md ## Related documents - [Proposed rule 96-NM-194-AD](https://openairdocs.org/proposed/96-NM-194-AD): Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published Apr 1, 1997 - [Proposed rule 96-NM-194-AD](https://openairdocs.org/proposed/96-NM-194-AD): Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period, published Feb 12, 1998 - [Proposed rule 96-NM-194-AD](https://openairdocs.org/proposed/96-NM-194-AD): Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period, published Oct 5, 1999 Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.