Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11648 · Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes
The following airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Aerospatiale Flight Control Primary Computer (FCPC), part number (P/N) LA2K01500190000:
1. Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and 342 series airplanes; excluding those on which Aerospatiale FCPC's, P/N LA2K01500210000 (Airbus Modification 45631), have been installed.
2. Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes; excluding those on which Aerospatiale FCPC's, P/N LA2K01500210000 (Airbus Modification 45485), have been installed.
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.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive operational tests of the override mechanism of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) to determine if the system functions correctly; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment requires replacement of existing flight control primary computers (FCPC) with improved FCPC's, which would terminate the repetitive operational tests. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded movement of the THS, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
To prevent uncommanded movement of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS), which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 500 flight hours after January 28, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-01-15, amendment 39-10277), perform an operational test of the THS override mechanism to determine if the override system functions correctly, in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Repeat the operational test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours.
(1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Perform the test in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3051, dated February 13, 1997; and, prior to further flight, repair any discrepancy in accordance with this service bulletin.
(2) For Model A340 series airplanes: Perform the test in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4058, dated February 13, 1997; and, prior to further flight, repair any discrepancy in accordance with this service bulletin.
(b) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified by either paragraph (b)(1) or paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3056, Revision 01, dated May 5, 1998 (for Model A330 series airplanes), or Service Bulletin A340-27-4061, Revision 02, dated May 5, 1998 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as applicable.
(1) Replace three Flight Control Primary Computers (FCPC) (2CE1, 2CE2, and 2CE3), P/N LA2K01500190000, with new FCPCs, P/N LA2K01500210000; in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Such replacement constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
(2) Replace the on-board replaceable module (OBRM) of the three FCPCs (2CE1, 2CE2, and 2CE3), P/N LA2K01500190000, with OBRMs that have been modified by converting FCPC P/N's to LA2K01500210000 in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Such replacement constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane an FCPC, P/N LA2K01500190000.
