Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17018 · Flight controls
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during the evaluation of engine failures at take-off on Airbus flight simulators, it has been shown that with flight control primary computer (FCPC) 1 inoperative, in worst case scenario when FCPC2 and FCPC3 resets occur during rotation at take off, a transient loss of elevator control associated with a temporary incorrect flight control law reconfiguration could occur. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the applicable airplane flight manual. We are issuing this AD to prevent movement of the elevators to zero position, which could result in inducing a pitch down movement instead of a pitch up movement needed for lift off, resulting in loss of controllability 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 airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, except for airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the applicable AFM to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
Dispatch with the FCPC “PRIM 1” inoperative is prohibited.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (g) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
(1) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(2) Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, on which Airbus modification 44385 has been embodied either in production or in service by Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3159 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4158; and on which Airbus modification 44431 has been embodied either in production or in service by Airbus Service Bulletin A330-24-3011 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-24-4019.
(3) Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes on which Airbus modification 57698 has been embodied either in production or in service by Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5046.
(4) This dispatch restriction applies primarily to Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, which have embodied Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3040 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4046 in service.
(1) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, on which Airbus modification 44385 has been embodied either in production or in service by Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3159 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4158; and Airbus modification 44431 has been embodied either in production or in service by Airbus Service Bulletin A330-24-3011 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-24-4019: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the applicable AFM to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
Dispatch with the FCPC “PRIM 1” inoperative is allowed provided that the operational test of the FCPC3 second electrical power supply is successfully performed, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-27A3158, or AOT A340-27A4157, as applicable, before the first flight of the MMEL interval.
If the test is not successful, repair in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-27A3158 or AOT A340-27A4157, as applicable, before dispatch with FCPC “PRIM 1” inoperative.
Note 2 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes are not affected by paragraph (h) of this AD.
For Model A330-223F and A330-243F airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the AFM to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
Dispatch with the FCPC “PRIM 1” inoperative is allowed provided that the operational test of the FCPC3 second electrical power supply is successfully performed, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-27A3158, before the first flight of the MMEL interval.
If the test is not successful, repair in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-27A3158, before dispatch with FCPC “PRIM 1” inoperative.
Note 3 to paragraph (i) of this AD: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (i) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
