Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17003 · Wings
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-500 and Model -600 series airplanes. This AD requires performing repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections of the external radius on upper horizontal cruciform fitting at frame (FR) 47 on the left- and right-hand sides for cracks, and repairing the cracks if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports that during fatigue testing, damages occurred in the external radius on the upper horizontal cruciform fitting at FR47 on the left- and right-hand sides. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking, which could adversely affect the 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.
Before the accumulation of the applicable threshold specified in paragraph 1.E. Compliance, Table 2, of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5029, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated February 25, 2011, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a high frequency eddy current inspection of the external radius on upper horizontal cruciform fitting at FR47 on the left- and right-hand sides for cracks, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5029, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated February 25, 2011. Where the “Threshold” column of Table 2, specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5029, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated February 25, 2011, specifies the compliance time as “FC” and “FH,” this AD requires the compliance times as “total flight cycles” and “total flight hours.” The thresholds for airplane post-modification number 56558S19405 must be counted from the airplane's first flight and not from the accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-5010.
Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD at intervals not to exceed the times specified in the “Repetitive Interval” column of Table 2, specified in paragraph 1.E. Compliance, of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5029, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated February 25, 2011. Where the “Repetitive Interval” column of Table 2, specified in paragraph 1.E. Compliance, of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5029, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated February 25, 2011, specifies the compliance times as “FC” and “FH,” this AD requires the compliance times as “flight cycles” and “flight hours.”
If any crack is found during the initial or repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD: Before further flight, contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent); for repair instructions and do the repair.
Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, in accordance with the Inspection Report of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-5029, Appendix 01, dated February 25, 2011, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
