Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17567 · Flight controls
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; and Model A340-541 and Model A340-642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; Model A340-200 and - 300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. This final rule was prompted by reports of wing tip brakes (WTBs) losing their braking function in service due to heavy wear on the brake discs. WTBs are designed to stop and hold the mechanical transmission of slats and flaps in certain failure cases. This final rule requires repetitive operational tests of certain WTB pressure-off-brakes (POBs) for performance on the flap and slat systems, and replacement of any affected WTB with a new or serviceable part if the test fails. This final rule also requires eventual replacement of all affected WTBs with a new part, which terminates the repetitive tests. We are issuing this final rule to prevent loss of the WTB braking function, and consequent inability of the flap or slat system to be stopped and held in position during operation, which could result in loss of control 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 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect to determine the part number (P/N) of the four WTBs of the flap and slat systems, in accordance with the Instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A27L001-12, Revision 01, dated April 27, 2012. A review of the Airbus airplane inspection report (AIR) or airplane maintenance records is acceptable to identify the part number of the WTB installed, provided that part number can be conclusively determined from that review.
For any WTB having P/N 1007A0000-03, P/N 1007A0000-04, or P/N 1007A0000-05, as determined by paragraph (g) of this AD: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight hours, perform an operational test of the WTB on the affected flap and/or slat systems in accordance with the Instructions of Airbus AOT A27L001-12, Revision 01, dated April 27, 2012.
(1) Within 1,000 flight hours since the last accomplishment of A330/A340 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) tasks 27.50.00/14 and 27.80.00/10, or since first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs later.
(2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
If any WTB operational test fails, before further flight, replace the affected WTB with a serviceable WTB, in accordance with the Instructions of Airbus AOT A27L001-12, Revision 01, dated April 27, 2012. Installation of a WTB having P/N 1007A0000-03, P/N 1007A0000-04, or P/N 1007A0000-05, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive tests required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, replace each WTB having P/N 1007A0000-03, P/N 1007A0000-04, or P/N 1007A0000-05 with a WTB having P/N 1007A0000-06, in accordance with the Instructions of Airbus AOT A27L001-12, Revision 01, dated April 27, 2012. Accomplishing the replacement required by this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the repetitive operational tests required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
As an alternative to accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph (j) of this AD, installation of a WTB having P/N 1007B0000-01, in accordance with the Instructions of Airbus AOT A27L001-12, Revision 01, dated April 27, 2012, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD and constitutes terminating action for the repetitive operational tests required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
