Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15973 · Wings
Airbus Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 Series Airplanes, and Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to the airplanes certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 series airplanes, all serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 44360 has been embodied in production.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes, all serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 44360 has been embodied in production.
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 the applicable time as specified in Table 1 of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a HFEC inspection by rototest for cracking of two holes on the left and right sides of the fuselage structure FR40 rear fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; as applicable. Do the associated corrective actions, before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; as applicable.
| Model | Threshold from the first flight (whichever occurs first) |
|---|---|
| A330-300 series airplanes | 17,700 total flight cycles or 53,100 total flight hours. |
| A340-200 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888 | 11,900 total flight cycles or 80,700 total flight hours. |
| A340-300 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888 | 11,900 total flight cycles or 80,700 total flight hours. |
| A340-200 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888 | 14,500 total flight cycles or 98,200 total flight hours. |
| A340-300 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888 | 12,700 total flight cycles or 85,900 total flight hours. |
(2) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD within the applicable intervals as specified in Table 2 of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; as applicable.
| Model | Intervals (not to exceed) |
|---|---|
| A330-300 series airplanes | 12,800 flight cycles or 38,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| A340-200 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888 | 8,600 flight cycles or 58,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| A340-300 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888 | 8,600 flight cycles or 58,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| A340-200 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888 | 10,500 flight cycles or 71,200 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| A340-300 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888 | 9,200 flight cycles or 62,300 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
(3) Where Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; recommend contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further flight, contact Airbus for repair instructions and do the repair.
(4) Accomplishment of the inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Technical Disposition LR5710D07014394, Issue B, dated September 24, 2008, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. However, inspections must be repeated thereafter in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
