Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16653 · Doors
Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all 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:
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection of the aft hinge forward attachment fittings of the right and left NLG aft doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
(1) For airplanes having accumulated less than 1,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles or within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For airplanes having accumulated 1,000 or more total flight cycles, but less than 2,500 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For airplanes having accumulated 2,500 or more total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
If no cracking is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, repeat the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles.
(i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight, perform a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the forward and aft attachment fittings of the aft hinge on the affected aft NLG door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
If an additional crack finding is made during any HFEC inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
(k) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Repeat the HFEC inspection specified in paragraph (i) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 flight cycles; or perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection for cracking thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 flight cycles, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010, until the replacement required by paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD is done.
(1) If an additional crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (k) of this AD, before further flight, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
(2) If no additional crack finding is made during any HFEC inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, or repetitive HFEC inspection or fluorescent penetrant inspection required by paragraph (k) of this AD: Within 20 flight cycles after finding a crack during the most recent inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, replace both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected NLG aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
(l) For airplanes on which the forward fitting of the aft hinge of the NLG aft door is replaced in accordance with paragraph (j) or (k) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 1,000 flight cycles on the forward fitting, perform the detailed inspection required in paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter the applicable repetitive inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, and apply the applicable actions required in paragraphs (i), (j), and (k) of this AD.
Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, dated February 1, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 01, dated March 30, 2010; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD.
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: The MCAI does not specify corrective action if cracking is found during a fluorescent penetrant inspection. This AD specifies replacing both forward and aft fittings with new fittings on the aft hinge of the affected nose landing gear aft door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-5016, Revision 02, dated August 25, 2010.
