Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15934 · Fuselage
Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any category.
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) At the applicable time defined in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD: Perform an HFEC inspection on fitting flanges and a detailed visual inspection of the NLG actuator overall fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5045, dated October 6, 2008.
(i) For weight variant 00x series: Before accumulating 3,920 total flight cycles or within 90 days of the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For weight variant 10x series: Before accumulating 3,020 total flight cycles or within 90 days of the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) If no crack is detected during both inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not exceeding the interval defined in paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) For weight variant 00x series: 1,320 flight cycles.
(ii) For weight variant 10x series: 2,690 flight cycles.
(3) If any crack is detected during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, contact Airbus for repair instructions and do the repair.
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
