Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11996 · Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes
Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, certificated in any category; excluding those on which Airbus Modification 43021 has 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 (b) 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 adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, that requires modification of the rib 1/wing center spar attachment. This amendment is necessary to prevent fatigue cracking at the rib 1/center spar angle and bottom corner fitting, which could result in reduced structural capability of the wing. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent fatigue cracking at the rib 1/center spar angle and bottom corner fitting, which could result in reduced structural capability of the wing, accomplish the following:
(a) Modify the rib 1/wing center spar attachment, as specified by paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as applicable, of this AD.
(1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Modify before the accumulation of 9,600 total flight cycles or 29,900 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. Do the modification in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3017, including Appendix 01, Revision 02, dated October 11, 1999.
(2) For Model A340 series airplanes: Modify before the accumulation of 9,300 total flight cycles or 37,200 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. Do the modification in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4022, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 8, 1999.
Note 2: Modification prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3017, dated October 14, 1998, or Revision 01, dated April 9, 1999, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
