Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22716 · Time limits/maintenance checks
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A310 series airplanes. 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 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.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0173, dated September 20, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0173). Where EASA AD 2023-0173 affects the same airworthiness limitations as those in EASA AD 2017-0204 or EASA AD 2022-0172, the airworthiness limitations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0173 prevail.
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0173.
(2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0173 specifies revising “the approved 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.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0173 is at the applicable “limitations” as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0173, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0173.
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) 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 2023-0173.
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates the corresponding requirements of AD 2018-18-19 and AD 2023-04-09 for the tasks identified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0173 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 manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (l) 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 Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov.
