Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22791 · Wings
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0061, dated March 6, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0061).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a production quality escape that could lead to deficiencies in surface protection on several left-hand and right-hand flap support structures. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the affected parts at certain locations for evidence of corrosion or damage to the surface protection, repetitive detailed inspections of the affected parts at certain other locations for evidence of corrosion, and the accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, 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 2024-0061.
(1) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2024-0061.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0061 specifies to “accomplish a DET for evidence of corrosion,” this AD requires replacing that text with “accomplish a DET for evidence of corrosion and for damage to the surface protection.”
(3) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024-0061 specifies if “any deficiency (as defined in the SB) is found,” this AD requires replacing that text with if “any corrosion is found.”
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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material 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 Dat Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7317; email dat.v.le@faa.gov.
