Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17092 · Doors
Airbus Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2018-02-17. Comply with the one in force.
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, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes; Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes; Airbus Model A340-200 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of sheared fasteners located on the outside skin of the forward cargo door and cracks on the frame fork ends, as well as cracks of the aft cargo door frame 64A. This AD requires performing a detailed inspection of the outer skin rivets at the frame fork ends of the forward and aft cargo door for sheared, loose, and missing rivets; repairing the outer skin rivets, if necessary; and performing repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct sheared, loose, or missing fasteners on the forward and aft cargo door frame, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward and aft cargo door.
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 6,000 total flight cycles since first flight of the airplane or within 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed inspection of the outer skin rivets at the frame fork ends between FR20B and FR25 of the forward cargo door for sheared, loose, and missing rivets, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-52A3085, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-52A4092, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes). Thereafter repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 800 flight cycles.
For all airplanes, except those on which Airbus Modification 44854 or Modification 44852 has been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3044 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4054 has been embodied in service: Before the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles since first flight of the airplane, or within 400 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed inspection of outer skin rivets at the frame fork ends between FR60 and FR64A of the aft cargo door for sheared, loose or missing rivets, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A330-52A3084, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A330-200 and A330-300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-52A4091, dated December 20, 2010 (for Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes). Thereafter repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 400 flight cycles.
If any sheared, loose, or missing rivets are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA; or European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
