Remarks: Where applicable, the requirements of this AD must be integrated into the Aircraft's Logbook(s). Address inquiries concerning this AD to: Civil Aviation Authority, Airworthiness Division, Ruzyne Airport, 160 08 Prague 6, Czech Republic, tel.: 420 2 33320922, fax: 420 2 20562270.

Centre tank metallic vapour seal (ATA 28)

APPLICABILITY :
AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A310 aircraft, all certified models, all serial numbers.

REASONS:
The AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A310 aircraft have a metallic vapour seal which provides an insulation through a forced air circulation between the centre tank and the air conditioning pack bay.

Damaged metallic vapour seals have been reported on several in-service A310 aircraft. The origin has not been determined.

Such damage could, in the event of a fuel leak from the centre tank, create a potential fire hazard.

ACTIONS AND COMPLIANCE :
Within 500 flight hours following the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive, check the integrity of the metallic vapour seal and perform a fuel leak test of the center tank in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2 of AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A.O.T. A310-28A2139 revision 01, dated April 26,1999.

If a crack or perforation is found in a metallic vapour seal, repair or replace the vapour seal within 400 flight hours following the inspection, provided both following instructions are adhered to before the repair or replacement of the seals :

- perform a fuel leak test of the drain masts before each flight,

- perform a fuel leak test of the centre tank every 100 flight hours,

in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2 of AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A.O.T. A310-28A2139 revision 01 dated April 26,1999.

Any detected fuel leak must be repaired before any further flight.

Inform AIRBUS INDUSTRIE of all findings, whatever they may be.

REF.: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A.O.T. A310-28A2139 Revision 01 dated April 26, 1999.

EFFECTIVE DATE: MAY 15, 1999