AD 2022-01-08 Prompted By Reports Of Incorrect Installation Of The Fire Shut-Off Valves (FSOV) Actuator

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of the fire shut-off valves (FSOV) actuator, which was found to rotate around its pivot axis. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the FSOV actuator for rotation around its pivot axis, and replacement if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective March 8, 2022.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0106, dated April 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0106) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes, and A300-600ST airplanes.

Model A300-600ST airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the applicability.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes and Model A310 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2021 (86 FR 55542). The NPRM was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of the FSOV actuator, which was found to rotate around its pivot axis. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time detailed inspection of the FSOV actuator for rotation around its pivot axis, and replacement if necessary, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0106.

FMI: www.regulations.gov