Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16952 · Fire protection
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-642 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification 47090 has been embodied in production; except those on which Airbus modification 51065 has been embodied in production.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-600 series airplanes. This AD requires modifying the fire extinguishing system from a three-bottles solution with 4 flow metering compact unit into a two-bottles solution with 2 flow metering systems equipped with upgraded water absorbing filter elements. This AD was prompted by reports of partial blockage of a certain water absorbing filter element. We are issuing this AD to prevent partial blockage of a certain water absorbing filter element, which could lead to reduction of the halon outflow, which leads to incapacity to maintain fire extinguishing agent concentration. Combined with fire, this condition could result in an uncontrolled fire in the affected compartment.
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 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the fire extinguishing system from a three-bottles solution with 4 flow metering compact unit, into a two-bottles solution with 2 flow metering systems equipped with upgraded water absorbing filter elements, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-26-5020, including Appendix 01, dated June 3, 2010.
