Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14031 · Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4 605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600)
Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4 605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600)
This AD applies to Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4 605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600); certificated in any category; equipped with any composite-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) rudder with part number (P/N) A55471500 series installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4- 600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4 605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600). This AD requires one-time general visual, detailed, and tap test inspections for discrepancies in the structural integrity of the rudder and its attachments, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report that, during cruise, a Model A310 series airplane lost most of its rudder, which was made from composite-fiber-reinforced plastic. Investigation revealed that most of the rudder, including the front spar portion above the three servo control actuators was missing. We are issuing this AD to prevent detachment of the rudder from the airplane, which could degrade airplane handling qualities and result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 550 flight hours or 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first: Perform one-time general visual, detailed, and tap test inspections for discrepancies in the structural integrity of the rudder and its attachments, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A310A55-2035 (for A310 series airplanes) and Airbus AOT A300-600 55A6035 (for A300-600 series airplanes), both dated March 16, 2005. For the one-time general visual and detailed inspections, discrepancies include corrosion, cracks, abrasion, scratches, and dents. For the tap test, discrepancies include delamination in the outer CFRP layers and debonding between the outer CFRP layers and the honeycomb core.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
Inspections accomplished within the last 18 months before the effective date of this AD in accordance with section 4.2.2 of Airbus AOTs A310A55-2035 and A300-600 55A6035, both dated March 16, 2005; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD, after the inspection results are reported to Airbus as required in paragraph (i) of this AD.
If any discrepancy of the rudder attachments that exceeds the limits specified in the Airbus A310 or A300-600 Structural Repair Manual (SRM), or any discrepancy of the rudder side panels is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, repair or otherwise disposition, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent).
Note 3: Limits for allowable damage and rework for the rudder attachment fittings are specified in Sections 55-40-00, 55-36-42, 55-30-00, and 55-46-11 of the Airbus A310 and A300-600 SRM.
(i) Within 10 days after accomplishing all the inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Submit Airbus Technical Disposition 943.0267/05, Issue A, “CFRP Rudder—Inspection Reporting Sheets” with the inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to Airbus Customer Service Engineering, Mr. X. Jolivet, SEE83, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France; fax (+33) 5 61 93 36 14. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Note 4: The reporting sheets referenced in paragraph (j) of this AD will be provided by Airbus, as specified in Section 2., of Airbus AOTs A310A55-2035 and A300-600 55A6035, both dated March 16, 2005.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane a CFRP rudder, P/N A55471500 series, unless the requirements specified in paragraphs (f), (h) and (i) of this AD have been accomplished.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
