Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18475 · Navigation
Airbus Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2016-12-15. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 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 a report of blockage of Angle of Attack (AOA) probes during climb, leading to activation of the Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot) while the Mach number increased. This activation could cause a continuous nose-down pitch rate that cannot be stopped with backward sidestick input, even in the full backward position. For certain airplanes, this AD requires replacing certain AOA sensors (probes) with certain new AOA sensors. For certain other airplanes, this AD also requires inspections and functional heat testing of certain AOA sensors for discrepancies, and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent erroneous AOA information and Alpha Prot activation due to blocked AOA probes, which could result in a continuous nose-down command and loss of control of the airplane.
For airplanes on which any UTAS AOA sensor having part number (P/N) 0861ED or P/N 0861ED2 is installed: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, replace all Captain and First Officer AOA sensors (probes) having P/N 0861ED or 0861ED2 with AOA sensors having Thales P/N C16291AB, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3315, dated March 26, 2015 (for Model A330 airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4294, dated March 26, 2015 (for Model A340-200 and -300 airplanes).
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5105, dated March 26, 2015 (for Model A340-500 and -600 airplanes).
Do the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes with AOA sensors having P/N 0861ED: Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes with AOA sensors having P/N 0861ED2: Within 7 months after the effective date of this AD.
For airplanes on which any SEXTANT/THOMSON AOA sensor having P/N 45150320 is installed: Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD, replace all SEXTANT/THOMSON AOA sensors (probes) having P/N 45150320 with AOA sensors having Thales P/N C16291AB, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3228, dated October 7, 2009 (for Model A330 airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4234, dated October 7, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 airplanes).
For airplanes on which one or more Thales AOA sensor having P/N C16291AA is installed: Before the accumulation of 17,000 total flight hours on the AOA sensor since first installation on an airplane, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,800 flight hours; do a detailed inspection of the three AOA sensors at FINs 3FP1, 3FP2, and 3FP3 for discrepancies (e.g., the vane of the sensor does not deice properly), and a functional heating test of each AOA sensor having P/N C16291AA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3215, Revision 03, dated July 23, 2015 (for Model A330 airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4215, Revision 03, dated July 27, 2015 (for Model A340-200 and -300 airplanes).
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5062, Revision 02, dated July 24, 2015 (for Model A340-500 and -600 airplanes).
If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD, or if any test is failed during the heating test required by paragraph (j) of this AD: Before further flight, replace all affected AOA sensors with sensors identified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD.
(1) Replace with AOA sensors having Thales P/N C16291AA, on which the inspection and test required by paragraph (j) of this AD were passed.
(2) Replace with AOA sensors having Thales P/N C16291AB.
