Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14292 · Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-200 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with fuel jettison valve part number (P/N) HTE900169.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting to determine the serial numbers and flight cycles of the fuel jettison valves and removing certain valves as applicable. This AD also requires doing a one-time inspection for cracks of the remaining jettison valves and removing any cracked valves. This AD also requires modifying the diameters of the six attachment holes in the wing bottom skin panel before installing a new or serviceable jettison valve. This AD results from reports of fuel leaks in the fuel jettison system located on the wings. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks from the fuel jettison outlets, which could result in fuel vapors coming into contact with ignition sources, and consequent fire or explosion.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
For the purposes of this AD the term “service bulletin” means the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-3078, Revision 01, dated August 4, 2004.
Note 1: The service bulletin refers to FR-HiTemp Service Bulletin HTE900169-28-1, Revision 1, dated November 8, 2004, as an additional source of service information for doing a visual inspection of the mounting flange of the jettison valve.
Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD in accordance with the service bulletin.
(1) Inspect the fuel jettison valves, P/N HTE900169, to determine whether any of the following serial numbers are installed: FR092BC to FR099BC inclusive, FR001BD to FR030BD inclusive, FR031BE to FR058BE inclusive, and M151VB292. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if information can be conclusively determined from that review. If any affected serial number is installed: Before further flight, remove the jettison valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) Review airplane records to determine the number of flight cycles accumulated on the fuel jettison valves since first installation on the airplane. If any jettison valve has accumulated 5,200 total flight cycles or more, or if the number of flight cycles cannot be determined: Before further flight, remove the jettison valve and do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, for any jettison valve that was not removed in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracks of the mounting flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service bulletin.
(1) If no crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before further flight, do an eddy current inspection for cracks of the mounting flange of the jettison valve in accordance with the service bulletin and, whether a crack is found or not, before further flight, do the modification required by paragraph (i) of this AD. If no crack is found during the eddy current inspection, the inspected jettison valve may be reinstalled during the modification required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) If any crack is found during the detailed inspection: Before further flight, do the modification in paragraph (i) of this AD and do not reinstall the jettison valve.
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.”
(i) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Modify the diameters of the six attachment holes in the wing bottom skin panel, and install a new fuel jettison valve, or reinstall a previously installed fuel jettison valve that has been inspected and found to have no crack in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the service bulletin.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a fuel jettison valve, P/N HTE900169, unless it has been inspected and had corrective actions done in accordance with paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
