Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17331 · Fuselage
Airbus Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2015-20-02. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and - 300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing defect in certain rods installed in the belly fairing, which could lead to cracks at the crimped end of the rod. This AD requires an inspection of the rods to determine the manufacturer; and for affected parts, an inspection for any cracking of the rods, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rods, which could result in rupture of rods that attach the belly fairing to the airframe, leading to separation of the belly fairing from the airframe, and consequent damage to airplane structure and airplane systems.
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 Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, having manufacturer serial number (MSN) 0002 to 1113 inclusive, except MSN 0996, 1039, 1054, 1059, 1105, 1107, 1108 and 1112; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3186, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or A340-53-4185, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes).
(1) Do a detailed inspection of the 21 rods of the belly fairing identified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3186, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); or A340-53-4185, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes); for rod manufacturer identification. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the manufacturer of the rods can be conclusively determined from that review.
(2) If the rod manufacturer is found to be Technical Airborne Components Industries (TAC), or if the manufacturer cannot be identified, do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the crimped end of the rod body and, if any crack is found, before further flight, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any affected TAC rod, as identified in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3186, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011; or A340-53-4185, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2011; as applicable; on any airplane unless the rod has passed (found to have no cracking) the inspection as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
