Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22442 · Wings
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes; A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes; A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes; A340-541 airplanes; and A340-642 airplanes; certificated in any category.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-06- 07, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. AD 2017-06-07 required identification of potentially affected inboard flap parts, a one-time eddy current inspection to identify which material the parts are made of, and, depending on findings, replacement with serviceable parts. This AD was prompted by a determination that, even if affected inboard flaps were not installed on airplanes during production, affected inboard flaps could be installed on airplanes as spare parts. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2017-06-07, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also reduces the allowance for the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0189, dated September 19, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0189).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0189 refers to May 11, 2016 (the effective date of EASA AD 2016-0082, dated April 27, 2016), this AD requires using May 15, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-06-07).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0189 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0189.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0189 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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 (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2017-06-07 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2022-0189 that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(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 (j)(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, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, International Validation Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3229; email Vladimir.Ulyanov@faa.gov.
