Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15907 · Stabilizers
Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, on which a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) rudder part number (PN) A55471500 series is fitted.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 500 flight cycles or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a special detailed one-time inspection to detect damage in the areas of the rudder hoisting points and trailing edge screw, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3037, dated October 11, 2007; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4033, dated October 11, 2007; as applicable. Do all applicable corrective actions at the times specified in and in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3037, dated October 11, 2007; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4033, dated October 11, 2007; as applicable.
(2) Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD to Airbus in accordance with the instructions of Appendix 01 of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3037, dated October 11, 2007; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4033, dated October 11, 2007; as applicable; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(3) Within 500 flight cycles or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a special detailed inspection along the rudder z-profile to detect inner skin disbond damage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3038, dated November 7, 2007; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4034, dated November 7, 2007; as applicable. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions at the times specified in and in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3038, dated November 7, 2007; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4034, dated November 7, 2007; as applicable.
(4) Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD to Airbus in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3038, dated November 7, 2007; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4034, dated November 7, 2007; as applicable; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(4)(i) or (f)(4)(ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a part number (P/N) A55471500 series rudder on an aircraft as a replacement part, unless it has been inspected and, as applicable, repaired in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3037, dated October 11, 2007, or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4033, dated October 11, 2007; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3038, dated November 7, 2007, or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-55-4034, dated November 7, 2007.
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
