Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22171 · Time limits/maintenance checks
Airbus SAS Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2024-25-11. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before July 1, 2021.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
(4) Model A330-841 airplanes.
(5) Model A330-941 airplanes.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-10- 08, AD 2017-05-10, and AD 2019-01-05, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and AD 2019-20-13, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330- 200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2016-10-08 required determining the flight cycles accumulated on certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs), and replacing the THSA if necessary. AD 2017-05-10, AD 2019- 01-05, and AD 2019-20-13 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate additional new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2016-10-08, with removed references to certain models. For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes: Within 90 days after June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08), inspect the THSA to determine if it has part number 47147-500, 47147-700, 47172-300, 47172-500, 47172-510, or 47172-520, and to determine the total number of flight cycles accumulated since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent no-back brake (NBB) replacement. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that review. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2016-10-08, with removed references to certain models and service information. For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD, replace each affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(1) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 20,000 total flight cycles since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08): Within 6 months after June 24, 2016.
(2) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 16,000 total flight cycles, but less than 20,000 total flight cycles since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08): Within 12 months after June 24, 2016, but without exceeding 20,000 total flight cycles.
(3) For a THSA that has accumulated less than 16,000 total flight cycles since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08): At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (h): This note applies to paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. The THSA life limits specified in Part 4-Aging System Maintenance of the Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Sections are still relevant, as applicable to airplane model and THSA part number.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2016-10-08, with removed references to certain models and service information. The requirements of this paragraph apply to Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in paragraph (g) of this AD that has accumulated less than 16,000 total flight cycles since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08). Not later than the date specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD, as applicable: For any THSA having reached or exceeded on that date the corresponding number of total flight cycles as specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD, as applicable, replace the THSA with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
(1) As of 12 months after June 24, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-10-08): The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 16,000 total flight cycles.
(2) As of July 31, 2017: The THSA flight cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 14,000 total flight cycles.
(3) As of July 31, 2018: The THSA flight cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 12,000 total flight cycles.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 2016-10-08, with removed service information. For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes with any part installed, as required by paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD: From the dates specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, as applicable, and prior to exceeding the accumulated number of total flight cycles corresponding to each time, replace each affected THSA with a serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 2016-10-08, with updated paragraph references. For the purposes of paragraphs (g) through (j) and (l) of this AD, a serviceable THSA is a THSA:
(1) Having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD that has not exceeded any of the total accumulated flight cycles identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this AD; or
(2) Having a part number that is not identified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (m) of AD 2016-10-08, with updated paragraph references. For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes: From each date specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this AD, a THSA having a part number identified in paragraph (g) of this AD may be installed on any airplane, provided the THSA has not exceeded the corresponding number of accumulated total flight cycles. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2019-20-13, with no changes. For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before October 15, 2018: Within 90 days after November 26, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-20-13), revise the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018. The component life limits and the initial compliance time for doing the tasks are at the times specified in Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018, or within 90 days after November 26, 2019, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (o) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2019-20-13, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (o) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (m) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (s)(1) of this AD.
Except as specified in paragraph (p) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0250, dated November 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0250). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) through (j), (l), and (m) of this AD.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0250 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0250 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0250 specifies to “revise the AMP” within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA 2021-0250 is at the applicable “limitations and associated thresholds” as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0250, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2021-0250 do not apply to this AD.
(6) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0250 does not apply to this AD.
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (o) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2021-0250.
(1) Accomplishing the action required by task number 213100-00001-1-E of Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018, or using “The ALS” as specified in EASA AD 2021-0250, within the compliance time specified for that task terminates all requirements of AD 2014-16-22 for Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only.
(2) Accomplishing the action required by task number 274400-000041-E of Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements (SEMR), Revision 07, dated October 15, 2018, or using “The ALS” as specified in EASA AD 2021-0250, within the compliance time specified for that task terminates all requirements of AD 2017-25-13 for Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes only.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (t) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (s)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3229; email vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
