Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17298 · Doors
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 0796, 0832, 0840, 0845, 0849, 0853, 0855, 0861, 0862, 0866, 0868, 0871, 0873, 0876, 0879, 0882, 0885, 0887, 0889, 0891, 0892, 0896, 0898, 0899, 0903, 0904, 0905, 0907, 0913, 0927, 0930, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0940, 0943, 0944, 0946, 0949, 0952, 0954, 0964, 0971, 0975, 0982 through 0986 inclusive, 0988, 0989, 0990, 0992, 0994, 0995, 0997, 0998, 0999, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1006, 1007, 1009 through 1016 inclusive, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1023, 1026, 1028, 1029, 1037, 1045, 1049, 1052, 1053, 1055, 1058, 1060, 1061, 1065 through 1067 inclusive, 1071 through 1075 inclusive, 1077, 1080, and 1082.
(2) Model A340-313 airplanes, MSN 0955.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-313 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo doors might have deviations in quality related to door structure, such as irregular bore holes, improper application of sealant and paint, or uncleanliness. This AD requires inspecting to identify the part and serial numbers of the forward and aft cargo doors, and replacing the affected cargo doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent the degraded structural capability of the cargo door, a primary structure, from leading to failure of the door, which could lead to a breach through the door or the door detaching from the airplane, resulting in potential rapid decompression.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Inspect to identify the part number and serial number of the airplane's forward and aft cargo doors, as applicable to MSN, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes). A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the door can be conclusively determined from that review.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 7,400 total flight cycles, or 72 months after the airplane's first flight, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, the part number and serial number of the airplane's forward and/or aft cargo doors, as applicable to airplane MSN, are identified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Before further flight, replace the affected door with a new or serviceable door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093 (for Model A340 airplanes), dated May 31, 2011.
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, there is any discrepancy between the installed forward and/or aft cargo doors part/serial number and the airplane MSN, as that part/serial number and MSN are identified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-52-3083, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-52-4093, dated May 31, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes): Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection, contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent), for further instructions and time limits, and accomplish those instructions within the specified time limits.
