Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17907 · Fuel
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes, certificated in any category, on which Airbus Modification Number 12248 has been embodied.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of insufficient clearance between the fuel quantity indicator (FQI) probes and the adjacent structure and metallic components in the wing fuel tanks. This AD requires a one-time detailed visual inspection for sufficient clearance between FQI probes on both the left-hand side and right-hand side of the trim horizontal stabilizer and the adjacent structure and metallic components in the fuel tanks, and modification if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct insufficient clearance, which could lead to electrical arcing in a fuel tank during a lightning strike, which could result in ignition and consequent fire or explosion in the fuel tank.
Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time detailed visual inspection for clearance between the FQI probes located in the trimmable horizontal stabilizer tank and the adjacent structure and metallic components, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2145, Revision 01, dated March 4, 2003.
(1) If the clearance of an FQI probe is found to be 3.0 millimeters (mm) (0.118 inch) or more: No further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) If the clearance of an FQI probe is found to be 2.5 mm (0.98 inch) or more, and less than 3.0 mm (0.118 inch): Before further flight, loosen the probe screws and move the probe up and down to get the required minimum gap of 3.0 mm (0.118 inch), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2145, Revision 01, dated March 4, 2003.
(3) If the clearance of an FQI probe is found to be less than 2.5 mm (0.118 inch): Before further flight, modify each affected FQI probe by installing new FQI probe supports, in accordance with Step 3.C., “Repair,” of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2145, Revision 01, dated March 4, 2003.
