2009-15-10 Airbus: Amendment 39-15973. Docket No. FAA-2009-0645; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-034-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 5, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Model A330-301, -321, -322, -341, and -342 series airplanes, all serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 44360 has been embodied in production.
(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes, all serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 44360 has been embodied in production.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
During accomplishment of A330-300 Airworthiness Limitation Item (ALI) task 57.11.04-01-02 of afastener hole between stringer 38 and 39 at FR40 rear fitting web, a crack was found on an adjacent hole at vertical post Y1959 lower attachment on both sides.
Other crack findings on this adjacent hole have been reported on A330-300 and A340-200/-300 aircraft as a result of sampling inspections.
If not corrected, crack propagation could result in loss of the fuselage structural integrity.
In order to fulfil[l] the certification requirements and following a fatigue analysis based on reported findings, a repetitive High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) Rototest inspection on the affected adjacent holes on both left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides between stringer 38 and 39 at (frame) FR40 rear fitting web is required by this AD and, in case of crack finding, the associated corrective actions have to be applied.
* * * * *
The associated corrective actions are oversizing the holes and performing an additional rototest inspection for cracking. If the cracking is within certainlimits, the corrective action is to install oversize fasteners. If the cracking exceeds certain limits defined in the service bulletin, the corrective action is contacting Airbus for repair instructions and doing the repair.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within the applicable time as specified in Table 1 of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a HFEC inspection by rototest for cracking of two holes on the left and right sides of the fuselage structure FR40 rear fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57- 4117, dated October 7, 2008; as applicable. Do the associated corrective actions, before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; as applicable.
Table 1--Compliance Times
Model
Threshold from the first flight (whichever occurs first)
A330-300 series airplanes
17,700 total flight cycles or 53,100 total flight hours
A340-200 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888
11,900 total flight cycles or 80,700 total flight hours
A340-300 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888
11,900 total flight cycles or 80,700 total flight hours
A340-200 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888
14,500 total flight cycles or 98,200 total flight hours
A340-300 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888
12,700 total flight cycles or 85,900 total flight hours
(2) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD within the applicable intervals as specified in Table 2 of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; as applicable.
Table 2--Repetitive Inspection Intervals
Model
Intervals (not to exceed)
A330-300 series airplanes
12,800 flight cycles or 38,500 flight hours whichever occurs first
A340-200 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888
8,600 flight cycles or 58,500 flight hours whichever occurs first
A340-300 series airplanes with modification 41652S11888
8,600 flight cycles or 58,500 flight hours whichever occurs first
A340-200 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888
10,500 flight cycles or 71,200 flight hours whichever occurs first
A340-300 series airplanes without modification 41652S11888
9,200 flight cycles or 62,300 flight hours whichever occurs first
(3) Where Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; recommend contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further flight, contact Airbus for repair instructions and do the repair.
(4) Accomplishment of the inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Technical Disposition LR5710D07014394, Issue B, dated September 24, 2008, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. However, inspections must be repeated thereafter in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120- 0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0001, dated January 8, 2009; Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, dated October 7, 2008; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, dated October 7, 2008; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-57-3107, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-57-4117, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 7, 2008, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS--Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80, e-mail airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.