Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13868 · Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
Model A330, A340-200, and 340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a ram air turbine (RAT) module, Model ERPS06M, having part number (P/N) 766351, 768084, 770379, 770952, or 770952A; and containing RAT actuator P/N 5911905, 5911326, or 5913234.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD); applicable to certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; that requires inspecting the ram air turbine (RAT) actuator to determine its serial number; and re-identifying the RAT actuator, inspecting the RAT actuator to determine whether the rotary solenoids are in the correct position, and replacing the RAT actuator, as applicable. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the RAT actuator to deploy when necessary during flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent failure of the RAT actuator to deploy when necessary during flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins listed in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Although these service bulletins specify returning removed actuators to Liebherr-Aerospace for inspection, this AD does not require this action.
(1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3083, dated August 6, 2002.
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4064, Revision 01, dated August 8, 2002.
Note 1: The service bulletins refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS06M-29-16, dated July 18, 2002; and Liebherr-Aerospace Service Bulletin 1560A-29-03, dated July 8, 2002; as additional sources of service information for identifying and inspecting subject RAT actuators, determining whether inspection findings are within acceptable limits, and re-identifying actuators if necessary. Although the Liebherr-Aerospace service bulletin specifies completing and returning a sheet recording compliance with that service bulletin and returning removed actuators for inspection, this AD does not require these actions.
(b) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the RAT actuator to determine its serial number (S/N), per the applicable service bulletin. If the RAT actuator has a S/N greater than 1286, re-identify the RAT actuator, per the applicable service bulletin.
(c) If the RAT actuator has a S/N less than or equal to 1286: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed inspection of the RAT actuator to determine whether the rotary solenoids are in the correct position, per the applicable service bulletin.
(1) If the position of the rotary solenoids is within the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin: Before further flight, re-identify the RAT actuator, per the applicable service bulletin.
(2) If the position of the rotary solenoids is outside the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin: Before further flight, replace the RAT actuator with a new or serviceable actuator, per the applicable service bulletin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a RAT actuator having P/N 5911905, 5911326, or 5913234, unless the actions required by this AD are accomplished.
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
