Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16663 · Wings
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: * * * * * * * * [S]ome Allowable Damage Limits and Repairs published in SRM Chapters 57-61-12 PB101 and 57-61-12 PB201 were de-validated starting from the SRM revision issued on January 2009. The terminology "De-validated SRM" used in this AD text refers to the SRM chapters mentioned above. In order to prevent complete inner aileron split due to possible failure or disbonding of the repairs on the inner aileron panels performed as per "devalidated SRM", which may result in flutter coupling of the free aileron part, this AD requires a one time inspection of the inner aileron panels to identify the presence of "de-validated SRM" repairs and, if necessary, to apply the associated corrective actions [repair].
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a tap test and detailed inspection or a thermography inspection of the affected inner aileron panels at the left and right wings to detect any previously accomplished repairs performed in accordance with any de-validated structural repair manual (SRM) defined in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010; do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
(h) A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD if the repairs performed in accordance with de-validated SRM, defined in Airbus service bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010 (SRM revisions dated before January 2009), can be conclusively identified from that review.
(i) If any de-validated SRM repairs are found during any actions required by this AD, before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent).
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an inner aileron panel having a de-validated SRM repair as defined in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5026, dated February 1, 2010, unless it is inspected as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD and all applicable corrective actions are done.
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
