AD 2015-23-05
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-201 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-202 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-203 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-223 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-223F | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-243 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-243F | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-301 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-302 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-303 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-321 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-322 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-323 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-341 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-342 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A330-343 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A340-211 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A340-212 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A340-213 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A340-311 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A340-312 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
| aircraft | Airbus SAS | A340-313 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Cracked support strut body ends at a certain frame location of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS), which could lead to the loss of all four THS support struts, making the remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, resulting in the loss of the horizontal tail plane.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Inspect for cracking of the strut ends of the THS support located at a certain frame in the tail cone, and replace if necessary. Reinstall or install reinforcing clamps on certain strut ends.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 12 months of effective date
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
All Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked support strut body ends at a certain frame location of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS). This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the strut ends of the THS support located at a certain frame in the tail cone, and replacement if necessary; and reinstallation or installation of reinforcing clamps on certain strut ends. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked support strut body ends of the THS, which could lead to the loss of all four THS support struts, making the remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, resulting in the loss of the horizontal tail plane.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, and -
243F airplanes.
[[Page 72572]]
(2) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 224 (Friday, November 20, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72569-72573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28895]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-1043; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-079-AD;
Amendment 39-18321; AD 2015-23-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by reports of cracked support strut body ends at a certain
frame location of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS). This AD
requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the strut ends of the
THS support located at a certain frame in the tail cone, and
replacement if necessary; and reinstallation or installation of
reinforcing clamps on certain strut ends. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracked support strut body ends of the THS, which
could lead to the loss of all four THS support struts, making the
remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, resulting in the loss
of the horizontal tail plane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 28, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 28,
2015.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail">http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail</a>;D=FAA-2014-1043 or in person at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
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;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#51303823263e232539383f3422227f106262617c10626561113038233324227f323e3c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="02636b70756d70766a6b6c6771712c433131322f4331363242636b706077712c616d6f">[email protected]</span></a>; Internet <a href="http://www.airbus.com">http://www.airbus.com</a>. You may view this referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
1043.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138;
fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A330-200,
A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200
and A340-300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on January 23, 2015 (80 FR 3510). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of cracked support strut body ends at a certain frame location
of the THS. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for
cracking of the strut ends of the THS support located at a certain
frame in the tail cone, and replacement if necessary; and
reinstallation or installation of reinforcing clamps on certain strut
ends. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked support
strut body ends of the THS, which could lead to the loss of all four
THS support struts, making the remaining structure unable to carry
limit loads, resulting in the loss of the horizontal tail plane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0068, dated March 18, 2014 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model
A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Model
A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
During scheduled maintenance on A330 aeroplanes, several
Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS) support struts at frame (FR)
91 were found cracked at strut body ends.
The THS is supported and articulated at FR 91 by four struts to
fix the hinges (Y-bolts) and keep the structural integrity in
lateral direction.
Analysis revealed that cracks can reduce ability of the support
struts to carry specified tension loads.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the
loss of all four
[[Page 72570]]
THS support struts at FR91, which would make the remaining structure
unable to carry limit loads, resulting in the loss of Horizontal
Tail Plane.
A340-500/600 aeroplanes are not affected by this [EASA] AD as
different material is used on THS support struts.
To address this potentially unsafe condition, EASA issued AD
2013-0076 [<a href="http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0076_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0076_1">http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0076_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0076_1</a>] to require
repetitive special detailed inspections [high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspections for cracking] of all 8 strut ends of the THS
support located at FR91 in the tail cone and, depending on findings,
replacement of THS support struts. That [EASA] AD also required, for
aeroplanes on which Airbus Modification 203493 had not been embodied
in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A330-53-3204 or SB
A340-53-4199, as applicable, has not been embodied in service, the
installation of a clamping device on each support strut end to stop
growth of possible cracks (crack stopper function) in order to
secure integrity of the struts.
Since issuance of EASA AD 2013-0076 [<a href="http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0076_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0076_1">http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0076_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0076_1</a>], it has been
discovered that several aeroplanes are fitted with another strut
configuration (SARMA Strut) [Societ[eacute] Anonyme de Recherche
M[eacute]canique Appliqu[eacute]e] than the TAC (Technical Airborne
Components Industries) strut, which caused the other strut not to be
considered. Consequently, Airbus revised Airbus SB A330-53-3206 and
SB A340-53-4208, accordingly in order to add a one-time [HFEC]
inspection [for cracking] for SARMA struts and in case of finding to
replace it with a TAC strut and thereafter to accomplish repetitive
inspections and EASA issued AD 2013-0219 [<a href="http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0219_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0219_1">http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0219_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0219_1</a>], which is
superseded, and required accomplishment of the instructions as
specified in the latest revision of each SB, as applicable.
Since issuance of EASA AD 2013-0219 [<a href="http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0219_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0219_1">http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2013_0219_superseded.pdf/AD_2013-0219_1</a>], based on the
reporting received from operators, it has been determined that
repetitive inspections are also to be accomplished for aeroplanes
equipped with SARMA strut. Airbus introduced that inspection in the
applicable SB at revision 3.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2013-0219, which is superseded, and requires
accomplishment of repetitive [HFEC] inspective inspection [for
cracking] for aeroplanes equipped with SARMA strut.
This [EASA] AD is considered as an interim action, pending the
development of a terminating action.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail">http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail</a>;D=FAA-2014-1043-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (80
FR 3510, January 23, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Add Inspection for Identifying Struts
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) requested that we add a physical
inspection to paragraph (g) of the proposed AD (80 FR 3510, January 23,
2015) to distinguish a Societ[eacute] Anonyme de Recherche
M[eacute]canique Appliqu[eacute]e (SARMA) strut from a Technical
Airborne Components Industries (TAC) strut. DAL stated that paragraph
(g) of the proposed AD only identifies the dimensional diameter of
SARMA struts; however, DAL stated that both TAC and SARMA struts have
the same manufacturer part numbers but have different rod end
diameters. DAL suggested language for doing a physical inspection of
the strut end of each support strut for identification purposes.
We agree that a physical inspection is necessary to determine the
rod end diameter in order to distinguish between SARMA and TAC struts.
However, that inspection is optional. Paragraph (g) of this AD defines
SARMA struts as having a diameter that is less than 43 millimeters, and
states that all other struts are TAC struts. Paragraph (h) of this AD
requires inspecting TAC struts. Thus, operators must inspect all struts
unless the strut is inspected to determine the diameter is less than 43
millimeters, i.e., it is a SARMA strut. We have not changed this AD in
this regard.
Request To Include Airbus Modification 203834 for Installing Reinforced
Clamps
DAL requested that we revise paragraph (h) of the proposed AD (80
FR 3510, January 23, 2015) to include Airbus Modification 203834 as an
optional modification for installation of the reinforced clamps. DAL
stated that Airbus has confirmed that Airbus Modification 203834
installs the same reinforced clamps as Airbus Modification 203493
specified in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD.
We agree with the commenter's request. The FAA has approved two
Airbus modifications for installing the reinforced clamps into
production airplanes: Modification 203493 for airplanes having
manufacturer serial number (MSN) 1466 to 1509 inclusive, and
Modification 203834 for airplanes having MSN 1510 and on. Modification
203834 supersedes Modification 203493, and the first airplane delivered
with Modification 203834 installed was MSN 1511.
Thus, operators may have the two populations of airplanes: Those
with Modification 203834 and those with Modification 203493. This AD
must address both groups of airplanes accordingly. We have revised
paragraph (h) of this AD to specify that, for airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 203493 or 203834 has been embodied in production; or on
which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3204 or Airbus Service Bulletin
A340 53-4199, as applicable; has been embodied in service, remove the
clamp from each strut end before accomplishing the inspections required
by paragraph (h) of this AD.
Request To Include Additional Service Information
DAL requested that we revise paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (l) of
the proposed AD (80 FR 3510, January 23, 2015) to include Airbus
Service Bulletin A330-53-3204. DAL stated that, when clamps were not
previously installed, Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3204 becomes the
source document for installing the clamps.
We agree that Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3204, Revision 03,
dated February 28, 2014, is an appropriate source of service
information for installing clamps. However, we do not agree to revise
this AD because that service information is already referenced in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03, dated February 28,
2014, which is referred to as one of the appropriate sources of service
information for the actions required by paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and
(l) of this AD. As specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03, dated February 28,
2014., ``if no clamps were previously installed, accomplish Service
Bulletin A330-53-3204 before next flight, to install them.'' Therefore,
no change to this AD is necessary in this regard.
Request To Clarify Flight With Cracking
DAL requested that we clarify/confirm that the NPRM (80 FR 3510,
January 23, 2015) will apply more strict replacement criteria when
cracks are found than what is currently published in Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014. DAL stated
that Subtask 533206-280-201-001 of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-
3206, Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014, contains instructions
[[Page 72571]]
to allow continued operation of the airplane with small crack findings
without immediate strut replacement.
We agree. In the ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the
MCAI or Service Information'' section of the NPRM (80 FR 3510, January
23, 2015), we stated that ``Although EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-
0068, dated March 18, 2014, Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206,
Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014, and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
53-4208, Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014, allow further flight
after certain cracks are found during compliance with the proposed
action, paragraph (j)(2) of this AD would require that any cracked THS
support strut be replaced with a new or serviceable TAC strut before
further flight.'' No change to this AD is necessary in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (80 FR 3510, January 23, 2015) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 3510, January 23, 2015).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed the following service information.
<bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03, dated
February 28, 2014. This service information describes procedures for
inspections for cracking of the strut ends of the THS support located
in the airplane tail cone.
<bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208, Revision 03, dated
February 28, 2014. This service information describes procedures for
inspections for cracking of the strut ends of the THS support located
in the airplane tail cone.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this
AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 84 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 9 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $64,260, or $765 per product.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition replacement specified in this AD.
We estimate that any necessary follow-on strut reinforcements will
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $5,680, for a cost of
$5,850 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this action.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail">http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail</a>;D=FAA-2014-1043; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2015-23-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-18321. Docket No. FAA-2014-1043;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-079-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 28, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, and -
243F airplanes.
[[Page 72572]]
(2) Airbus Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked support strut body
ends at a certain frame location of the trimmable horizontal
stabilizer (THS). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracked support strut body ends of the THS, which could lead to the
loss of all four THS support struts and which would make the
remaining structure unable to carry limit loads, resulting in the
loss of the horizontal tail plane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definition of Strut Types
For the purpose of this AD, a Societ[eacute] Anonyme de
Recherche M[eacute]canique Appliqu[eacute]e (SARMA) strut is a strut
on which the diameter of the strut end is less than 43 millimeters.
All other struts are Technical Airborne Components Industries (TAC)
struts.
(h) Repetitive Inspections of TAC Strut Ends
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, do
a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of all
TAC strut ends of the THS support located at frame (FR) 91 in the
tail cone, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03, dated February
28, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208, Revision 03,
dated February 28, 2014; as applicable. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 42 months or 20,000 flight
hours, whichever occurs first. For airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 203493 or 203834 has been embodied in production, or
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3204 or Airbus Service Bulletin
A340-53-4199, as applicable, has been embodied in service, remove
the clamp from each strut end before accomplishing the inspections
required by this paragraph.
(i) Compliance Times for the Actions Required by Paragraphs (h) and (k)
of This AD
Do the inspections required by paragraphs (h) and (k) of this AD
at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and
(i)(3) of this AD.
(1) For Model A330 series airplanes having manufacturer serial
numbers 012 through 209 inclusive, and Model A340 series airplanes
having manufacturer serial numbers 002 through 210 inclusive: Within
6 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For Model A330 series airplanes having manufacturer serial
numbers 211 through 422 inclusive, and Model A340 series airplanes
having manufacturer serial numbers 212 through 447 inclusive: Within
24 months after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For Model A330 series airplanes having manufacturer serial
numbers 423 and subsequent, and Model A340 series airplanes having
manufacturer serial numbers 450 through 955 inclusive: Within 36
months after the effective date of this AD or since the first flight
of the airplane, whichever occurs later.
(j) Corrective Action for TAC Strut Ends and Installation of
Reinforcing Clamps
(1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this
AD, no cracks are found: Before further flight, reinstall or
install, as applicable, reinforcing clamps on the strut ends, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014; or
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208, Revision 03, dated February
28, 2014; as applicable.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this
AD, any crack is found: Before further flight, replace any affected
strut with a new or serviceable TAC strut and install reinforcing
clamps on the strut end, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03,
dated February 28, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208,
Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014; as applicable.
(k) Repetitive Inspections of SARMA Strut Ends
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, do
an HFEC inspection for cracking of all SARMA strut ends of the THS
support located at FR 91 in the tail cone, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206,
Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin
A340-53-4208, Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014; as applicable.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12
months.
(l) Corrective Action for SARMA Strut Ends
If any crack is found on a strut end during the inspection
required by paragraph (k) of this AD: Before further flight, replace
any affected SARMA strut with a new or serviceable TAC strut and
install reinforcing clamps on the strut end, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206,
Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin
A340-53-4208, Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014; as applicable.
(m) No Terminating Action
Replacement of THS struts on an airplane does not constitute
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this
AD.
(n) No Reporting
Although Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03,
dated February 28, 2014; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208,
Revision 03, dated February 28, 2014; specify to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(o) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), (j), and (k) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using any of the
service information identified in paragraphs (n)(1) through (n)(6)
of this AD. This service information is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, dated February 7,
2013.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 01, dated
June 10, 2013.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 02, dated
August 8, 2013.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208, dated February 7,
2013.
(5) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208, Revision 01, dated
June 10, 2013.
(6) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208, Revision 02, dated
August 8, 2013.
(p) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Vladimir
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. Information
may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b68f9bf7f8fb9b8787809bf7fbf9f59be4f3e7e3f3e5e2e5f6d0d7d798d1d9c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="477e6a06090a6a7676716a060a08046a15021612021413140721262669202831">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(q) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0068, dated March 18, 2014,
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on
the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail">http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail</a>;D=FAA-
2014-1043-0002.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (r)(3) and (r)(4) of this AD.
(r) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
[[Page 72573]]
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3206, Revision 03, dated
February 28, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4208, Revision 03, dated
February 28, 2014.
(3) 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; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0968607b7e667b7d6160676c7a7a27483a3a3924483a3d394968607b6b7c7a276a6664"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="64050d16130b16100c0d0a0117174a25575754492557505424050d160611174a070b09">[email protected]</span></a>;
Internet <a href="http://www.airbus.com">http://www.airbus.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this 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: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 30, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28895 Filed 11-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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