Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15419 · Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2015-16-02. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category.
| Airbus model— | Excluding those airplanes on which any of the following— | Has been installed— |
|---|---|---|
| A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes | Airbus modification 54833 | In production. |
| Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136, Revision 01, dated July 19, 2006 | In service. | |
| Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135, dated January 12, 2006 | In service. |
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires an accelerated schedule of repetitive testing of the elevator servo control loops, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains the existing requirements, reduces the applicability of the existing AD, and adds terminating actions. This AD results from reports of failed elevator servo controls due to broken guides. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the elevator servo controls during certain phases of takeoff, which could result in an unannounced loss of elevator control and consequent 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 “AOT,” as used in paragraphs (g) through (i) of this AD, means section 4.2. “Description” of the following service information, as applicable:
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3138, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005; and
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4137, Revision 01, dated October 3, 2005.
Within 200 flight hours after November 29, 2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-23-10): Test the elevator servo-loops, in accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. If the test of the elevator servo-loops passes, repeat the test at intervals not to exceed 140 flight hours or 8 days, whichever occurs first.
If any test of the elevator servo-loops required by paragraph (g) of this AD fails: Before further flight, troubleshoot the cause of the test failure, and do the applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the AOT, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the test at the times specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Following each test required by paragraph (g) of this AD, submit a report of the findings of only failed elevator servo-loop tests to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical Support, Attention: Mr. J. Laurent, SEE53, fax +33/(0)5.61.93.44.25; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the description of the failure experienced during the test, the identified cause of the failure, and the number of flight hours and flight cycles on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the test was done after November 29, 2005: Submit the report within 10 days after the test.
(2) If the test was done prior to November 29, 2005: Submit the report within 10 days after November 29, 2005.
As of the effective date of this AD, do the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable.
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3138, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated May 30, 2006; and
(2) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4137, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated May 30, 2006.
Within 17 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the four elevator servo controls in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136, Revision 01, dated July 19, 2006 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4135, dated January 12, 2006 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); as applicable.
Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3136 and A340-27-4135 refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-18, Revision 1, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (k) of this AD.
(l) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3136, dated January 12, 2006, are acceptable for compliance with the modification required by paragraph (k) of this AD.
(m) Concurrently with the modification required by paragraph (k) of this AD, modify the four elevator servo controls in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3134, Revision 01, dated May 12, 2006 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4132, dated October 13, 2005 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); as applicable.
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3134 and A340-27-4132 refer to Goodrich Actuation Systems Service Bulletin SC4800-27-17, Revision 2, dated May 19, 2006, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (m) of this AD.
(n) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3134, dated October 13, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the modification required by paragraph (m) of this AD.
(o) Accomplishment of the modifications required by paragraphs (k) and (m) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (f) through (i) of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, an elevator servo control, unless it has been modified in accordance with paragraphs (k) and (m) of this AD.
