Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16991 · Fuselage
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302,-303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 0895, 0898 through 0900 inclusive, 0903 through 0909 inclusive, 0911, 0913 through 0916 inclusive, 0918 through 0920 inclusive, 0922, 0923, 0926, 0927, 0930 through 0932 inclusive, 0934 through 0936 inclusive, 0940, and 0951.
(2) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 0846, 0848, 0894, 0897, 0902, 0910, 0912, 0917, and 0929.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracked and missing nuts, and replacement of cracked or missing nuts with new nuts having the same part number. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked nuts detected during production. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked or missing nuts, and replace all affected nuts in multiple locations (including fuel tank areas) that could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
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 nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas overcoated with sealant: Within 144 months since first flight of the airplane or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed inspection for missing or cracked nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas overcoated with sealant, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA (or its delegated agent).
(2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace the cracked nuts with new nuts having the same part number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before further flight, replace nut with a new nut having the same part number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
For nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas overcoated with sealant: Within 144 months since first flight of the airplane or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed inspection for missing or cracked nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4, located in fuel tank areas overcoated with sealant, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA (or its delegated agent).
(2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace the cracked nuts with new nuts having the same part number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before further flight, replace nut with a new nut having the same part number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
For nuts having P/N ASNA2531-4 not located in fuel tank areas: Within 72 months since first flight of airplane or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later, do a detailed inspection for missing or cracked nuts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(1) If any nut is found missing: Before further flight, repair the condition according to a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or EASA (or its delegated agent).
(2) If any nut is found cracked: Before further flight, replace that nut with a new nut having the same part number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
(3) For any nut that is neither missing nor cracked: Before further flight, replace that nut with a new nut having the same part number, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3183, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 30, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-53-5056, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2010 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
