Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14329 · Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2011-03-10. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting to determine the part number and serial number of the left- and right-hand elevator assemblies, performing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and re- protecting the elevator assembly. This AD results from reports that areas on the top skin panel of the right-hand elevator have disbonded due to moisture penetration. We are issuing this AD to prevent disbonding of the elevator assembly, which could reduce the structural integrity of the elevator 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.
The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-55-3032 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-55-4029 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes), both dated December 22, 2003, as applicable.
(1) Where the service bulletins recommend contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent).
(2) Although the service bulletins specify submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Perform an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the left- and right-hand elevator assemblies. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of each elevator assembly can be conclusively determined from that review. If neither elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD, no further action is required by this paragraph. If either elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD, do paragraph (h) of this AD.
(1) Within 10 years after the date of the first flight of the airplane, or before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles, whichever is first.
(2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
| Part | Affected part numbers | Affected serial numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Left-hand elevator assembly | F55280000000, F55280000004 | CG1002 through CG1091 inclusive, CG1093, CG1094, CG2001. |
| Right-hand elevator assembly | F55280000001, F55280000005 | CG1002 through CG1094 inclusive, CG2001. |
If the left- or right-hand elevator assembly has a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD: Before further flight after accomplishing paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) Perform an endoscopic inspection to detect damage (such as a scratch, disbonding, or a tear), and a tap test and a thermographic inspection to detect signs of moisture penetration, to the upper and lower elevator panels on both sides of the airplane, in accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) If any damage is found, before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions (including but not limited to repeating the thermographic inspection to determine the size of the damaged area, and performing a tap test around the areas where moisture is indicated), in accordance with the service bulletin.
(3) Re-protect the elevator assembly (including performing a general visual inspection to determine if the drainage holes are clean, a general visual inspection to determine the condition of the sealant covering the static discharges contour, and applicable corrective actions), in accordance with the service bulletin.
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 ensure visual access to all 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.”
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, an elevator assembly having a part number and serial number combination identified in Table 1 of this AD unless the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD are accomplished.
