Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14522 · Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes; Model A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; and Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus Modification 50660 has been accomplished.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron servo controls, corrective actions if necessary, and eventual replacement of all the attachment bolts of the aileron servo controls. This AD results from several cases of bushing migration on the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron servo controls; in one case the bushing had migrated completely out of the actuator fitting and the fitting was cracked. We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the inboard and outboard actuator fittings of the aileron servo controls, which could result in airframe vibration 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.
Except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD, the term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD.
| For Airbus model— | Use Airbus service bulletin— | And, for actions done before the effective date of this AD, credit is given for prior accomplishment of revision— |
|---|---|---|
| (1) A330-200 and -300 series airplanes | A330-57-3075, Revision 02, dated May 28, 2004 | None. |
| (2) A330-200 and -300 series airplanes | A330-57-3076, Revision 01, dated June 1, 2004 | Original issue, dated March 14, 2003. |
| (3) A340-200 and -300 series airplanes | A340-57-4083, Revision 02, dated May 28, 2004 | None. |
| (4) A340-200 and -300 series airplanes | A340-57-4084, Revision 01, dated June 1, 2004 | Original issue, dated March 14, 2003. |
(g) Airbus Service Bulletins A330-57-3075 and A340-57-4083 recommend reporting inspection results to the airplane manufacturer; however, this AD does not contain that requirement.
For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 45512 was not installed in production: Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, accomplish a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the inboard and outboard actuator fitting of the aileron servo controls, in accordance with the service bulletin in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD, as applicable. Accomplish any related corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD, as applicable, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours, except as provided in paragraph (j) of this AD. Replacing all the bolts as required by paragraph (k) of this AD ends the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph.
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) As an option to accomplishing the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight after accomplishing the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, accomplish the replacement required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Do a one-time detailed inspection, as specified in paragraph (h), at the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) Within 1,800 flight hours after accomplishing the replacement.
(2) Within 18 months after accomplishing the replacement.
(j) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, and the applicable service bulletin in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD specifies to contact Airbus for an appropriate action: Before further flight, repair in accordance with 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). Where differences in the compliance times or corrective actions exist between the service bulletin and this AD, the AD prevails.
For airplanes on which the replacement has not been accomplished: Replace all the small-head attachment bolts of the aileron servo controls with large-head attachment bolts at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the service bulletin in paragraph (f)(2) or (f)(4) of this AD, as applicable. Replacing all the bolts ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 45512 was not installed in production: Do the replacement before further flight if no discrepancy is found after accomplishing three consecutive inspections, as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 45512 was installed in production: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
