Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22661 · Fuel
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, -841, and -941 airplanes.
(2) Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of temporary loss of the flight director (FD) and autothrottle (A/THR) on an airplane dispatched under the provisions of a master minimum equipment list (MMEL) item for fuel quantity indication (FQI). This AD requires revising the operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL), 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.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0206, dated November 21, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0206).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0206 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0206 specifies to “implement the instructions of the MMEL update, on basis of which the applicable MEL of each affected aeroplane must be amended,” this AD requires replacing those words with “revise the operator's existing FAA-approved MEL by incorporating the information identified in “The MMEL update” as defined in EASA AD 2023-0206.”
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0206 specifies “and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane(s) accordingly,” this AD does not require that action as it is already required by an existing FAA operating regulation (see 14 CFR 121.628(a)(5)).
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0206 specifies “the instructions of the MMEL update are implemented for that aeroplane,” this AD requires replacing those words with “the operator's existing FAA-approved MEL is revised by incorporating the information identified in “The MMEL update” as defined in EASA AD 2023-0206.”
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0206 specifies implementing the instructions of the MMEL update before next flight after modifying a Group 2 airplane into a Group 1 airplane, this AD requires accomplishing the MEL update within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, or before further flight after accomplishing the modification, whichever occurs later.
(6) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0206.
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 manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j) 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.
For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir A. Ulyanov, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone 206-231-3229; email vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
