Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18347 · Equipment/furnishings
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -223F, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers except those on which Airbus Modification 203287 has been embodied in production.
(2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that a bracket that attaches the cockpit instrument panel to the airplane structure does not sustain the fatigue loads of the design service goal. This AD requires repetitive inspections of that bracket for cracking and to determine if both lugs are fully broken, an inspection for cracking of an adjacent bracket if necessary, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides an optional modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking on a bracket of the cockpit instrument panel, which, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could lead to collapse of the cockpit panel, and reduced controllability of the airplane.
At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of bracket No. 6 (part number (P/N) F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel for cracking and to determine if both bracket lugs are fully broken, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,600 flight cycles.
(1) Prior to accumulating 17,200 total flight cycles since the airplane's first flight.
(2) Prior to bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel accumulating 17,200 total flight cycles since installation on an airplane.
(3) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any cracking of bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, Post-modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel is found, and both bracket lugs are not fully broken: Within 2,600 flight cycles after that inspection, replace bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel with a serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable. Replacement of bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any cracking of bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, Post-modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel is found and both bracket lugs are fully broken: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of bracket No. 7 (P/N F2511012820000, pre-modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, Post-modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable.
(i) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, no cracking is found in bracket No. 7 of the cockpit instrument panel: Before further flight, replace bracket No. 6 and bracket No. 7 of the cockpit instrument panel with serviceable parts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; as applicable. Replacement of bracket No. 6 (P/N F2511012820000, pre- modification Number 55128S18242; or P/N F2511373420000, post-modification Number 55128S18242) of the cockpit instrument panel does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(ii) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, any cracking is found in bracket No. 7 of the cockpit instrument panel: Although Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3538, Revision 02, dated April 24, 2014; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4351, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2014; specify to contact Airbus for repair instructions, and specify that action as “RC” (Required for Compliance), repair the cracking before further flight using a repair 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).
Modifying an airplane by replacing bracket No. 6 of the cockpit instrument panel with a new, reinforced bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3548, dated October 31, 2013; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4354, dated October 31, 2013; as applicable; terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
