Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17612 · Time limits/maintenance checks
Airbus Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2014-23-17. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-211 -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that existing maintenance requirements are not adequate to address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to address the aging effects of aircraft systems. Such aging effects could change the characteristics of systems life-limited components leading to an increased potential for failure, which, in isolation or in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, could result in failure of certain life limited parts, which could reduce the structural integrity or the 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 6 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance program by incorporating A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated October 12, 2011. Comply with all applicable instructions and airworthiness limitations included in A340 ALS, Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated October 12, 2011. The initial compliance times for the actions are within the applicable compliance times specified in the Record of Revisions pages of A340 ALS, Part 4—Aging Systems Maintenance, Revision 02, dated October 12, 2011, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later.
After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
Accomplishing the revision of the maintenance program and complying with all applicable instructions and airworthiness limitations required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements of the ADs specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(7) of this AD for Model A340 airplanes only.
(1) AD 2003-14-11, Amendment 39-13230 (68 FR 41521, July 14, 2003).
(2) AD 2004-11-08, Amendment 39-13654 (69 FR 31874, June 8, 2004).
(3) AD 2004-13-25, Amendment 39-13707 (69 FR 41394, July 9, 2004).
(4) AD 2004-18-14, Amendment 39-13793 (69 FR 55326, September 14, 2004).
(5) AD 2007-05-12, Amendment 39-14973 (72 FR 10057, March 7, 2007).
(6) AD 2008-06-07, Amendment 39-15419 (73 FR 13103, March 12, 2008; corrected April 15, 2008 (73 FR 20367)).
(7) AD 2012-04-07, Amendment 39-16963 (77 FR 12989, March 5, 2012).
