Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16262 · Hydraulic power
Airbus Model 340-500 and -600 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
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 specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection for missing or damaged P-clamps, including their grommets, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
(i) If the airplane has accumulated 1,000 total flight cycles or more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) If the airplane has accumulated fewer than 1,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(2) If any P-clamp grommet is found missing or damaged during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection of the hydraulic pipe under the damaged P-clamp for signs of damage (including bulging and chafing) in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008. If the damage exceeds the applicable tolerance specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, repair before further flight in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
Note 1: Guidance on repairing damage to the hydraulic pipe under the damaged P-clamp as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is in AMM Task 20-23-11 of the Airbus A340-600 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
(i) For sharp-bottomed damage: 0.033 mm (0.001 inch) maximum depth.
(ii) For round-bottomed damage: 0.066 mm (0.003 inch) maximum depth.
(3) If any P-clamp or grommet is found missing or damaged during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the P-clamp, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
(4) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(4)(i) or (f)(4)(ii) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection to detect damage (including bulging and chafing) of the yellow high pressure hydraulic line from frame 17 to the elbow connection near frame 20, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008. If any damage is detected, before further flight, repair the pipeline in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
Note 2: Guidance on repairing damage to the hydraulic pipe under the damaged P-clamp as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD is in Task 20-23-11 of the Airbus A340-600 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
(i) If the airplane has accumulated 1,000 total flight cycles or more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) If the airplane has accumulated fewer than 1,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(5) At the same time as accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(4) of this AD: Perform a bleeding of the nose wheel steering system, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex A340-29A5014, dated October 14, 2008.
(6) Repeat the inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(4) of this AD and the bleeding of the nose wheel steering system required by paragraph (f)(5) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles.
(7) At the applicable time in paragraph (f)(7)(i) or (f)(7)(ii) of this AD, submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(4) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical Support, ATTN: Mr. C. DUPHIL, SEEL4, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33/(0)5 61 93 40 05; fax: +33/(0)5 61 67 19 12 05; e-mail: christophe.duphil@airbus.com.
(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.
Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: Although the MCAI does not tell you to submit information to Airbus, paragraph (f)(7) of this AD specifies that such submittal is required.
