Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17704 · Hydraulic power
Airbus Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2016-21-08. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-24-09 for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2009-24-09 required a repetitive inspection program on certain check valves in the hydraulic systems that includes, among other things, inspections for lock wire presence and integrity, traces of seepage or black deposits, proper torque, alignment of the check valve and manifold, installing new lock wire, and corrective actions if needed. This new AD expands the applicability, reduces the compliance time, changes torque values of the check valve tightening, and requires a repetitive inspection program for certain check valves in the hydraulic systems on airplanes that have had a certain modification embodied during production or in-service. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of hydraulic line check valves loosening. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such check valve loosening, which could result in hydraulic leaks, possibly leading to the loss of all three hydraulic systems and consequent 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.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009). Except for Model A330-223F and A330-243F airplanes: Do the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes that do not have Airbus Modification 54491 embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 embodied in service: Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009)), whichever occurs first, inspect the check valves on the blue, green, and yellow hydraulic systems to identify their part numbers (P/Ns), in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(i) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are installed on all three hydraulic systems, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD. After accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD at the applicable compliance times specified in those paragraphs. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(ii) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are not installed on all three hydraulic systems, no further action is required by this paragraph until any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced with a check valve having P/N CAR401. If any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced by a check valve having P/N CAR401, before further flight, do the inspection specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to determine if all three hydraulic systems are equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 54491 was embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 was embodied in service, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Except as required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A) and (g)(2)(i)(B) of this AD, as applicable: Do the inspection program (detailed inspection of the lock wire for presence and integrity, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) on yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, install new lock wires, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.1 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(A) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 54491 has been embodied in production: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A)(1) and (g)(2)(i)(A)(2) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles since first flight but no earlier than the accumulation of 700 total flight cycles since first flight.
(2) Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009)), whichever occurs first.
(B) For airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or A340-29-4078 was embodied in service: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(B)(1) and (g)(2)(i)(B)(2) of this AD.
(1) Within 1,000 flight cycles since the embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or A340-29-4078 but no earlier than 700 flight cycles after the embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or A340-29-4078.
(2) Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009)), whichever occurs first.
(ii) Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, do the inspection program (detailed inspection of the lock wire for presence and integrity, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) and install a new lock wire on the green high pressure manifold; and do an inspection (detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and detailed inspection to determine alignment of the check valve and manifold) on the yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.2 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(iii) Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours, do the inspection program (detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and detailed inspection to determine alignment of the check valve and manifold) on the green, yellow, and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.3 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
For airplanes equipped with check valves having P/N CAR400; and for airplanes equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401, except for airplanes on which Airbus Modification 201384 has been embodied during production, or on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3119 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes) or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4091 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes) has been embodied in service: Within 900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, inspect the check valves on the blue, green, and yellow hydraulic systems to identify their part numbers, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200, -200F and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the actions required by this paragraph terminates the requirements specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(1) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are installed on all three hydraulic systems: Before further flight, do the inspection program (detailed inspection for red mark presence and alignment integrity of the check valve and manifold, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) on yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the actions required by this paragraph terminates the requirements specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD.
(2) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are not installed on all three hydraulic systems, no further action is required by this paragraph until any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced with a check valve having P/N CAR401. If any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced by a check valve having P/N CAR401: Before further flight after such replacement, do the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, to determine if all three hydraulic systems are equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401. If check valves having P/N CAR401 are installed on all three hydraulic systems: Before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (i) of this AD.
Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, do the inspection program (detailed inspection for red mark presence and alignment integrity of the check valve and manifold, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) on the green, yellow, and blue system check valves, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-29-3111, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-29-4086, Revision 02, dated June 23, 2011 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Repeat the inspection program thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the actions required by this paragraph terminates the requirements specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.
For airplanes equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401 and on which Airbus Modification 201384 has been embodied during production, or on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3119 (for Model A330-200, -200F, and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4091 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes) has been embodied in service: Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection of the green, yellow, and blue high pressure manifolds and check valves having P/N CAR401 for any sign of rotation of the check valve head, and for any signs of hydraulic fluid leakage or seepage (including black deposits), in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L001-12, dated October 11, 2012. Repeat the inspection thereafter at interval not to exceed 900 flight hours.
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD, any sign of rotation of the check valve head is found, or any sign of hydraulic fluid leakage or seepage (including black deposits) is found: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A29L001-12, dated October 11, 2012.
Accomplishment of the corrective actions required by this AD does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, at each replacement of a check valve with a check valve having P/N CAR401, apply a torque of 141 to 143 newton metre (N.m) (103.98 to 105.45 pounds-foot (lbf.ft)) during installation.