Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18340 · Doors
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to the 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, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 202702 has been embodied in production.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at certain frames of the forward cargo door. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracking of certain forward cargo doors, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain frames, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo door.
(1) Within 200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracking of an affected forward cargo door, having a part number identified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD, at frames 20A, 20B, and 21 areas located above beam 3, from outside and inside, in accordance with Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014, except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable to determine if an affected forward cargo door is installed provided that the part number of the forward cargo door can be conclusively determined from that review.
(i) F523-70500-000.
(ii) F523-70500-004.
(iii) F523-70500-006.
(iv) F523-70500-008.
(v) F523-70500-010.
(vi) F523-70500-012.
(vii) F523-70500-014.
(viii) F523-70550-000.
(ix) F523-70550-002.
(x) F523-70550-004.
(xi) F523-70550-008.
(xii) F523-70550-050.
(2) If any crack is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as a mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.
Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to Serge KIYMAZ, Structure Engineer, Structure Engineering—SEES1 CUSTOMER SERVICES, Phone: +33(0)5 82 05 10 33, Fax: +33(0)5 61 93 36 14, email: serge.kiymaz@airbus.com, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the information identified in Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, installation of a forward cargo door having any part number specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD is permitted on any airplane, provided that prior to installation, the door is inspected and, depending on the findings, corrected, in accordance with Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014, except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD.
On page 1 of Airbus AOT A52L010-14, dated September 30, 2014, at section “2. Referenced Documentation,” “Ref. 5” specifies page block “PB.801,” which is incorrect. This page block should be “PB.401” instead.
