AD 2011-18-22

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

For rudders identified in table 1 and table 2 of this AD: Within the compliance time in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD as applicable, do a vacuum loss inspection on the rudder non-ventilated area (Area 1) for damage including de-bonding between the skin and honeycomb core of the rudder, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable.

(1) For rudders identified in table 1 of this AD: Within 1,800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

(2) For rudders identified in table 2 of this AD: Within 21 months after the effective date of this AD.

(h) For rudders identified in table 1 and table 2 of this AD: Within 21 months after the effective date of this AD, do an elasticity laminate checker inspection on the trailing edge area (Area 2) for damage including de-bonding between the skin and honeycomb core of the rudder, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the inspection two more times at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles but not less than 4,000 flight cycles from the most recent inspection.

(i) For rudders identified in table 3 of this AD: Within 4,500 flight cycles but not less than 4,000 flight cycles from the date of the sampling inspection identified in table 4 of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an elasticity laminate checker inspection on the trailing edge area for damage including de-bonding between the skin and honeycomb core of the rudder, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable. Repeat the inspection once within 4,500 flight cycles after doing the inspection but not less than 4,000 flight cycles from the last inspection.

If damage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g), (h), (i), or (k)(1) of this AD, before further flight, repair the damage using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).

If no damage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, restore the vacuum loss holes by doing a temporary restoration with self-adhesive disks or tapes, a temporary restoration with resin, or a permanent restoration with resin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable. Do the applicable actions specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD.

(1) For airplanes on which a temporary restoration with self-adhesive disks or tapes is done, within 900 flight hours after doing the restoration, do a detailed inspection for loose or missing self-adhesive disks or tapes and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours until the permanent restoration is done, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable. If any loose or missing self-adhesive disks or tapes are found during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, close the holes, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable. Do the permanent restoration within 21 months after doing the temporary restoration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable.

(2) For airplanes on which a temporary restoration with resin is done: Within 21 months after doing the temporary restoration, do the permanent restoration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-55-3042 or A340-55-4038, both dated April 22, 2010, as applicable.

Submit a report of the findings (positive and negative) of the first inspection required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD to Airbus, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane.

(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.

(2) 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.

As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any affected rudder listed in table 1, table, 2, or table 3 of this AD, on any airplane, unless the rudder is inspected as specified in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, as applicable, and all applicable corrective actions specified in paragraph (j) of this AD and applicable restoration specified in paragraph (k) of this AD are done.

Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.