Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16993 · Equipment/furnishings
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-642 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-600 series airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection for abnormalities of the ball lock retainer on the off-wing ramp slides; for closure of the soft cover; for full engagement of the slide release pin; for broken, missing, and improper placement of the safety tie thread on the slide release pin; and for proper functioning of the vent valve; and replacement of the off-wing ramp slides if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight loss of the blow-out panel and the slide unit from a right-hand off-wing ramp- slide. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct abnormalities of the ball lock retainer, if the soft cover is open, if the slide pin release is not engaged or the safety tie thread is missing, broken, or improperly placed and the vent valve is not functioning properly, which could result in in-flight loss of the off-wing ramp slide.
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 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for abnormalities of the ball lock retainer on the off-wing ramp slides; for closure of the soft cover; for full engagement of the slide release pin; for broken, missing, and improper placement of the safety tie thread on the slide release pin; and for proper function of the vent valve; in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A340-25A5191, dated January 18, 2011. If the ball lock retainer has abnormalities, the soft cover is open, or the slide pin release is not engaged, or the safety tie thread is broken, missing, or improperly placed, or the vent valve is not functioning properly, before further flight, replace the off-wing ramp slide, in accordance with Airbus AOT A340-25A5191, dated January 18, 2011.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any off-wing ramp slide having part number 4A3931-X on any airplane, unless the check required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been done and none of the conditions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD are found.
