Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14286 · Airbus Model A330-202, -223, -243, and -343 Airplanes; and Model A340-313 Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-202, -223, -243, and -343 Airplanes; and Model A340-313 Airplanes
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, listed in Table 1 of this AD.
| Airbus model— | As identified in Airbus service bulletin— |
|---|---|
| A330-202, -223, -243, and -343 airplanes | A330-56-3006, Revision 01, dated March 24, 2003. |
| A340-313 airplanes | A340-56-4006, Revision 01, dated March 24, 2003. |
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-202, -223, -243, and -343 airplanes; and certain Model A340-313 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection for discrepancies of the attachment bolts of the windshield central retainer, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report indicating that, during production, the windshield central retainer may have been installed with attachment bolts that were too short, which prevented the thread of the bolt from fully engaging in the self-locking nut. We are issuing this AD to prevent loosened attachment bolts, which could result in loss of the windshield and consequent reduced structural integrity 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 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of the windshield central retainer for discrepancies of the attachment bolts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3006 or A340-56-4006, both excluding Appendix 01, Revision 01, dated March 24, 2003; as applicable. If the protrusion of any attachment bolt is not within the limits specified in the service bulletin, replace the bolt and corresponding nut with new parts before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 1: 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.”
Inspecting the windshield central retainer, and doing applicable corrective actions, is also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-56-3006 or A340-56-4006, both dated March 12, 2003; as applicable.
Although Airbus Service Bulletins A330-56-3006 and A340-56-4006 specify sending an inspection report to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
