Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18892 · Powerplant
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-223F, -223, -321, -322, and -323 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-223F, -223, -321, -322, and -323 airplanes. This AD was prompted by fatigue load analysis that determined the need for reduced inspection intervals and updated torque values of the bolts. This AD requires repetitive torque checks of the forward engine mount bolts, an inspection of the forward mount assembly, and replacement of the bolts or repair of the forward mount assembly as necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) At the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, do a torque check to determine if there are any loose or broken forward engine mount bolts (4 positions/engine) on both engines, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3028, Revision 02, dated August 31, 2015. Repeat the torque check at the applicable time intervals not to exceed the values specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. For the purposes of this AD, the average flight time (AFT) is defined as a computation of the number of flight hours divided by the number of flight cycles accumulated since the most recent torque check or since the airplane's first flight, as applicable. Accomplishment of the initial torque check required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of AD 2013-14-04.
| Airplane models | Flight cycles accumulated as of December 19, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-14-04), since last torque check specified in Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-100-A71-32 or since airplane's first flight, as applicable | Compliance time | Torque check interval (not to exceed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model A330-321, -322, and -323 airplanes with AFT more than 132 minutes; and Model A330-223 airplanes | 0-1,850 | Within 2,350 flight cycles since the last torque check as specified in Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-100-A71-32, or since airplane's first flight, as applicable | 2,350 flight cycles or 24,320 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| Model A330-321, -322, and -323 airplanes with AFT more than 132 minutes; and Model A330-223 airplanes | 1,851-2,700 | Within 500 flight cycles after December 19, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-14-04), without exceeding 2,700 flight cycles since last torque check as specified in Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-100-A71-32, or since airplane's first flight, as applicable; or within 3 months after December 19, 2013; whichever occurs later | 2,350 flight cycles or 24,320 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| Model A330-321, -322, and -323 airplanes with AFT 132 minutes or less; and Model A330-321, -322, and -323 airplanes on which the AFT is not calculated on a regular basis | 0-1,450 | Within 1,950 flight cycles since the last torque check performed as specified in Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-100-A71-32, or since airplane's first flight, as applicable | 1,950 flight cycles or 20,210 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| Model A330-321, -322, and -323 airplanes with AFT 132 minutes or less; and Model A330-321, -322, and -323 airplanes on which the AFT is not calculated on a regular basis | 1,451-2,700 | Within 500 flight cycles after December 19, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-14-04), without exceeding 2,700 flight cycles since last torque check performed as specified in Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4-100-A71-32, or since airplane's first flight, as applicable; or within 3 months after December 19, 2013; whichever occurs later | 1,950 flight cycles or 20,210 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| Model A330-223F airplanes | Any | Within 2,140 flight cycles or 6,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first since the last torque check performed as specified in Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-100-A71-32, or since airplane's first flight, as applicable | 2,140 flight cycles or 6,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
(2) If any loose or broken bolt is detected during the check required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions specified by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-71-3028, Revision 02, dated August 31, 2015; except, where the service information specifies to contact the manufacturer for further corrective actions, before further flight contact 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); to obtain applicable corrective action instructions approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA; and accomplish the applicable corrective actions within the compliance time specified in those instructions.
(i) Replace all four forward engine mount bolts and associated nuts, on the engine where the loose or broken bolt was detected, with new bolts and nuts.
(ii) Do nondestructive inspections of the forward mount assembly for damage including cracks, dents, nicks, and scratches, and do all applicable corrective actions.
(3) Replacement of bolts and nuts as required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD is not terminating action for the repetitive torque checks required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the requirements specified in paragraph (g) of AD 2006-16-05.
