Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17231 · Flight controls
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by events of excessive rudder pedal inputs and consequent high loads on the vertical stabilizer on several airplanes. This AD requires either incorporating a design change to the rudder control system and/ or other systems, or installing a stop rudder inputs warning (SRIW) modification. We are issuing this AD to prevent loads on the vertical stabilizer that exceed ultimate design loads, which could cause failure of the vertical stabilizer and consequent reduced 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.
Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in either paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD to address the unsafe condition identified in paragraph (e) of this AD.
(1) Incorporate a design change to the rudder control system and/or other systems, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA.
(2) Install a stop rudder inputs warning (SRIW) modification by doing the applicable actions specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A) and (g)(2)(i)(B) of this AD.
(A) Install a SRIW device, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6054, including Appendix 01, dated June 20, 2012. Before or concurrently with the SRIW installation, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A) (1) and (g)(2)(i)(A) (2) of this AD.
(1) Upgrade the flight control computer (FCC) to introduce the SRIW logic, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6056, dated April 25, 2012.
(2) Upgrade the flight warning computer (FWC) to introduce the SRIW aural capability, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6140, dated May 4, 2012.
(B) Activate the SRIW device, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-22-6055, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
(ii) For Model A310 series airplanes: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(ii)(A) and (g)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD.
(A) Install a SRIW device, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2063, including Appendix 01, dated June 20, 2012. Before or concurrently with the SRIW installation, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(ii)(A) (1) and (g)(2)(ii)(A) (2) of this AD.
(1) Upgrade the FCC to introduce the SRIW logic, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2065, dated April 25, 2012.
(2) Upgrade the FWC to introduce the SRIW aural capability, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-31-2144, dated May 4, 2012.
(B) Activate the SRIW device, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-22-2064, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
