Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18935 · Flight controls
Airbus Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2017-20-02. Comply with the one in force.
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, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-13-16 for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. AD 2013-13-16 required repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the ball-screw assembly of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), repetitive greasing of the THSA ball-nut, and replacement of the THSA if necessary; and modification or replacement (as applicable) of the ball-nut assembly, which ends certain repetitive inspections. This new AD requires an inspection, corrective actions if necessary, lubrication of the ball-nut, modification of the THSA, and removal of certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that a modification that automatically detects failure of the ball-screw assembly is necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
For airplanes other than those identified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (q) of this AD: If, during any flight, one of the “PRIM X PITCH FAULT” or “STAB CTL FAULT” messages is displayed on the ECAM associated with the “PITCH TRIM ACTR (1CS)” maintenance message, before further flight after each time the message is displayed on the ECAM, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Do the applicable detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path; check the checkable shear pins (CSP), if installed; and do all applicable corrective actions; as specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(i) For Model A330 series airplanes: Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3102, Revision 09, dated March 29, 2016, except as required by paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.
(ii) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4107, Revision 09, dated March 29, 2016, except as required by paragraph (n)(1) of this AD.
(iii) For Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes: Do the actions 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).
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this AD: Guidance for the inspection of the ball-screw assembly can be found in Task 274000-B0002-1-C, Inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load paths, of the Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 3—Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 03, dated October 19, 2015.
(2) Lubricate the THSA ball-nut in accordance with the applicable service information specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Task 274400-00002-1-E, Lubrication of the THSA ball-nut, of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015 (for Model A330 series airplanes).
(ii) Task 274400-00002-1-E, Lubrication of the THSA ball-nut, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 04, dated October 19, 2015 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes).
(iii) Task 274000-B0003-1-C, Lubrication of THS Actuator ball-screw nut, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 3—Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 03, dated October 19, 2015 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes).
| Group | Airplane models | On which the following actions or modifications have been done |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 airplanes | Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes | On which the actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3137, dated March 20, 2007; or Revision 01, dated December 6, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3046, Revision 04, dated July 16, 2010; or Revision 05, dated November 7, 2011; or Revision 06, dated November 15, 2013; have been embodied in service. |
| Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes | On which the actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4136, including Appendix 1, dated March 20, 2007; or Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated December 6, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4056, Revision 03, dated July 16, 2010; have been embodied in service. | |
| Group 2 airplanes | Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes | On which Airbus Modifications 55780, 52269, and 56056 have been embodied in production. |
| Airbus Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes | On which Airbus Modifications 54882, 52191, and 56058 have been embodied in production. | |
| Group 3 airplanes | Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes | On which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3137, dated March 20, 2007; or Revision 01, dated December 6, 2007; has been embodied in service and Airbus Modifications 52269 and 56056 have been embodied in production. |
| Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes | On which Airbus Modification 55780 has been embodied in production and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3046 Revision 04, dated July 16, 2010; or Revision 05, dated November 07, 2011; or Revision 06, dated November 15, 2013; has been embodied in service. | |
| Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes | On which Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4136, including Appendix 1, dated March 20, 2007; or Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated December 6, 2007; has been embodied in service and Airbus Modifications 52269 and 56056 have been embodied in production. | |
| Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes | On which Airbus Modification 55780 has been embodied in production and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4056, Revision 03, dated July 16, 2010, has been embodied in service. |
For all airplanes, except Group 2 airplanes specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (q) of this AD, and except for airplanes identified in paragraphs (i), (j), and (n)(2) of this AD: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the airplane by installing a CSP on the THSA and an additional electrical harness, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus service information specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, as applicable to the part number of the THSA installed on the airplane, except as provided by paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.
| THSA Part No. (P/N) | Service bulletin for CSP installation | Service bulletin for electrical harness installation |
|---|---|---|
| 47172-300 | Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3137, Revision 02, dated January 18, 2010, for Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and | Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3046, Revision 07, dated January 13, 2017, for Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and |
| Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4136, Revision 02, including Appendix 1, dated February 24, 2010, for Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. | ||
| 47147-500 | Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3143, Revision 01, dated July 10, 2012, for Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and | Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4056, Revision 04, dated December 5, 2013, for Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. |
| Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4143, dated February 21, 2012, for Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. | ||
| 47175-200, 47175-300 | Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5030, Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated November 20, 2009, for Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. | Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-5008, Revision 07, dated February 8, 2013, for Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. |
For airplanes that have already been modified (installation of CSP on the THSA and electrical harness) before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of any previous revision of an Airbus service bulletin specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, as applicable: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the “Additional Work” specified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Airbus service information specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
For airplanes having one of the THSAs installed with a part number listed in figure 3 to paragraph (j) of this AD, and which have been modified by installing a CSP on the THSA as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine if the electrical harness identified in the applicable Airbus service information specified in figure 3 to paragraph (j) of this AD is installed on the airplane, and if found not to be installed, modify the airplane by installing an electrical harness, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus service information specified in figure 3 to paragraph (j) of this AD, as applicable to the part number of the THSA installed on the airplane. Airplanes having one of the THSAs installed with a part number listed in figure 3 to paragraph (j) of this AD already have the CSP installed on the THSA, and only the electrical harness must be installed on the airplane.
| THSA P/N | Service information for electrical harness installation |
|---|---|
| 47172-500, 47172-510, 47172-520, 47172-530, 47147-700, 47147-710 | Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3046, Revision 07, dated January 13, 2017, for Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4056, Revision 04, dated December 5, 2013, for Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. |
| 47175-500, 47175-520, 47175-530 | Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-5008, Revision 07, dated February 8, 2013, for Airbus Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes. |
Accomplishment of a modification before the effective date of this AD, using the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3137, dated March 20, 2007; or Revision 01, dated December 6, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-92-3046, Revision 04, dated July 15, 2010; or Revision 05, dated November 7, 2011; or Revision 06, dated November 15, 2013; terminates the repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(4) of this AD. Modification of an airplane as required by this paragraph does not constitute terminating action for the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD or the additional work specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(1) Task 274400-00001-1-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and check the gap at the secondary nut trunnion, of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015.
(2) Task 274400-00001-2-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and check the CSPs, of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015.
(3) Task 274400-00001-3-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and check the CSPs, of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015.
(4) Task 274400-00001-4-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and check the CSPs, of Airbus A330 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 05, dated October 19, 2015.
Accomplishment of a modification in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4143, dated February 21, 2012; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4056, Revision 03, dated July 16, 2010; terminates the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for modified Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes only. Modification of an airplane as specified in this paragraph does not constitute terminating action for the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, or the additional work specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Accomplishment of a modification before the effective date of this AD using the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4136, including Appendix 1, dated March 20, 2007; or Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated December 6, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-4056, Revision 03, dated July 16, 2010; terminates the repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(4) of this AD. Modification of an airplane as specified in this paragraph does not constitute terminating action for the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, or the additional work specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(1) Task 274400-00001-1-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and gap check at the secondary nut trunnion, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 04, dated October 19, 2015.
(2) Task 274400-00001-2-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and CSP check, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 04, dated October 19, 2015.
(3) Task 274400-00001-3-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and CSP check, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 04, dated October 19, 2015.
(4) Task 274400-00001-4-E, Detailed inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load path and CSP check, of A340 ALS Part 4—System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 04, dated October 19, 2015.
(1) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3102, Revision 09, dated March 29, 2016 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4107, Revision 09, dated March 29, 2016 (for Model A340 series airplanes); specifies to contact Airbus for a damage assessment: Before further flight, accomplish the required actions in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (s)(2) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes that already had the electrical harness installed during production using Airbus Modifications 52269 and 56056 for Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes and Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and using Airbus Modifications 52191 and 56058 for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes: Only the CSP must be installed on the THSA in accordance with applicable Airbus service bulletins and within the compliance time specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Modification of an airplane as required by paragraph (h), (i), or (j) of this AD, as applicable, constitutes terminating action for that airplane for the applicable actions identified in paragraphs (o)(1) through (o)(4) of this AD.
(1) For all airplanes: The actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) For Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes: Task 274000-B0002-1-C, Inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load paths, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 3—Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 03, dated October 19, 2015.
(3) For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes: The ALS tasks identified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(4) of this AD.
(4) For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: The ALS tasks identified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(4) of this AD.
For Model A340-500 and -600 airplanes that are in post-Airbus Service Bulletin A340-92-5008, at Revision 06 or earlier, configuration: Before exceeding the threshold or interval, as applicable, of Task 274000-B0002-1-C, Inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load paths, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 3—Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 03, dated October 19, 2015, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, accomplish Task 274000-B0002-1-C, Inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load paths, of Airbus A340 ALS Part 3—Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), Revision 03, dated October 19, 2015; and do all applicable corrective actions. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA. Repeat Task 274000-B0002-1-C, Inspection of the ball-screw assembly for integrity of the primary and secondary load paths, thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in Airbus A340 ALS Part 3—CMRs, Revision 03, dated October 19, 2015.
