Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14473 · Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and A340-211, -212, -213 -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category, as identified in Table 1 of this AD.
| Airbus model | Except those modified in production by Airbus modification |
|---|---|
| A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes | 51953 and either 52110 or 53081. |
| A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313 airplanes | 51953 and either 52110 or 53081. |
| A340-541 and -642 airplanes | 51951 and either 52109 or 53081. |
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, A340-200 and - 300 series airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive borescope inspections of the left and right fuel tanks of the trimmable horizontal stabilizers (trim tanks) for detached or damaged float valves; related investigative/corrective actions if necessary; and the eventual replacement of all float valves in the left and right trim tanks with new, improved float valves, which terminates the need for the repetitive inspections. This AD also requires repetitive replacement of certain new, improved float valves. This AD results from reports of detached and damaged float valves in the trim tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent, in the event of a lightning strike to the horizontal stabilizer, sparking of metal parts and debris from detached and damaged float valves, or a buildup of static electricity, which could result in ignition of fuel vapors 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.
At the later of the times specified in paragraph (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD: Do a borescope inspection for detached or damaged float valves in the left and right trim tanks, by doing the applicable actions in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003, and A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004 (for Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes); or A340-28-4100 and A340-28-4101, both Revision 01, both dated August 16, 2004 (for Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes); as applicable.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 2,500 total flight cycles or 15,000 total flight hours, whichever is first.
(2) Within 7,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
Depending on the results of the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Do the applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD, at the times specified in Table 2.
| If inspection results reveal— | Then— | In accordance with Airbus service bulletin— |
|---|---|---|
| Detached or damaged float valve in the right trim tank | Before further flight: (1) Remove the detached float and float debris from trim tank and do a detailed tank inspection for structural damage to the affected trim tank. Repair any structural damage to the trim tank or deactivate the trim tank, before further flight, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin, or 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). Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer, instead contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). | A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003. A340-28-4100, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. |
| Before further flight, after doing the detailed inspection and repairing any structural damage: (2) Replace the affected float valve with a new unit having the same part number (P/N), or a new, improved float valve, P/N 62015-1, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If a new unit of P/N 61600 is installed, thereafter, do the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. | A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003. A330-28-3088, dated April 27, 2004. A340-28-4100, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4102, dated April 27, 2004. | |
| Detached or damaged float valve in the left trim tank | Before further flight: (1) Remove the detached float and float debris from the trim tank and do a detailed inspection for structural damage to the affected trim tank. Repair any structural damage to the trim tank or deactivate the trim tank, before further flight, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin, or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer, instead contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). | A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4101, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. |
| Before further flight, after doing the detailed inspection and repairing any structural damage: (2) Replace the affected float valve with either a new unit having that same P/N, or a new improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003. If a new unit of P/N L87-13-001 is installed, thereafter, do the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If a float valve having P/N L87-13-002 is installed, thereafter, replace that float valve with a float valve having that same P/N at intervals not to exceed those specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD. | A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A330-28-3089, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005. A330-28-3094, dated April 7, 2005. A340-28-4101, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4103, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A340-28-4111, dated April 6, 2005. | |
| No damaged or detached float valve in the left trim tank | Within 10,000 flight hours or 1,500 flight cycles, whichever is first, from the initial inspection done in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, replace the existing Argo-Tech float valve, P/N 61600, with either a new unit having that same P/N, or a new, improved float valve, P/N 62015-1. If a new unit of P/N 61600 is installed, thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. | A330-28-3086, dated July 24, 2003. A330-28-3088, dated April 27, 2004. A340-28-4100, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4102, dated April 27, 2004. |
| No damaged or detached float valve in the left trim tank | Within 10,000 flight hours or 1,500 flight cycles, whichever is first, from the initial inspection done in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, replace the existing Intertechnique float valve, P/N L87-13-001, with either a new unit having that same P/N, or a new improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003. If a new unit of P/N L87-13-001 is installed, thereafter, do the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles or 15,000 flight hours, whichever is first, after the most recent inspection, until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If a float valve having P/N L87-13-002 is installed, thereafter, replace that float valve with a float valve having that same P/N at intervals not to exceed those specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve replacement required by paragraph (h) of this AD. | A330-28-3087, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A330-28-3089, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005. A330-28-3094, dated April 7, 2005. A340-28-4101, Revision 01, dated August 16, 2004. A340-28-4103, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A340-28-4111, dated April 6, 2005. |
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.”
Within 50 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace any Argo-Tech float valve, P/N 61600, with a new, improved float valve, P/N 62015-1; replace any Intertechnique float valve, P/N L87-13-001, with a new, improved float valve, P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003; and do any applicable corrective action; by accomplishing the actions specified in the Accomplishments Instructions of the applicable service bulletin in Table 3 of this AD. Do any applicable corrective action before further flight. For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes: If P/N L87-13-002 is installed, replace the float valve thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24,500 flight cycles. Installation of P/N L87-13-003 on Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes terminates the repetitive float valve replacement required by this paragraph. Installation of either P/N L87-13-002 or P/N L87-13-003 terminates the borescope inspections required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer, instead contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the DGAC (or its delegated agent).
| Airbus model | Float valve P/N | Airbus service bulletin |
|---|---|---|
| A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes | 62015-1 L87-13-002 L87-13-003 L87-13-003 | A330-28-3088, dated April 27, 2004. A330-28-3089, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A330-28-3093, dated June 16, 2005. A330-28-3094, dated April 7, 2005. |
| A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and —313 airplanes | 62015-1 L87-13-002 L87-13-003 | A340-28-4102, dated April 27, 2004. A340-28-4103, Revision 02, dated April 1, 2005. A340-28-4111, dated April 6, 2005. |
| A340-541— and -642 airplanes | 62015-1 L87-13-002 L87-13-003 | A340-28-5007, dated May 7, 2004. A340-28-5010, dated may 7, 2004. A340-28-5021, dated April 6, 2005. |
(i) Inspections and related investigative and corrective actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with any applicable Airbus service bulletin identified in Table 4 of this AD, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
| Airbus model | Airbus service bulletin |
|---|---|
| A330-201, -202, -203, -223, —243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes | A330-28-3087, dated July 24, 2003. A330-28-3089, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2004. |
| A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and —313 airplanes | A340-28-4100, dated July 24, 2003. A340-28-4101, dated July 24, 2003. A340-28-4103, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2004. A340-28-5010, dated May 7, 2004. A340-28-5021, dated April 6, 2005. |
Where any Airbus service bulletin specifies to submit information to Airbus, or send removed float valves to either Argo-Tech or Intertechnique, those actions are not required by this AD.
