AD 2005-07-04 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

Models named: A330, A340-200, A340-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent degraded operation of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) due to the entrance of water into the ball nut, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Requirements of AD 2001-11-09 Repetitive Inspections (a) For Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes equipped with a THSA part number (P/N) 47172, and on which Airbus Modification 45299 has been performed: Within 150 flight hours from June 26, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-11-09, amendment 39-12252), perform a detailed inspection to detect discrepancies in the THSA (including distortion of the transfer tubes, disconnection of the tubes, and distortion of the collar of the ball nut), in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-27A3088 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27A4093 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both dated April 5, 2001, as applicable. If any discrepancy, as defined in paragraph 4-2-2/Rejection Criteria of the applicable AOT, is detected, prior to further flight, replace the THSA with a serviceable one, in accordance with the applicable AOT. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (b) At intervals not to exceed 150 flight hours, repeat the inspection mandated in paragraph (a) of this AD, until paragraph (c) of this AD has been accomplished. New Requirements of This AD Repetitive Detailed Inspections of THSA Ball Nut and Corrective Action (c) For airplanes equipped with a THSA having P/N 47172 or 47147-400: At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of the transfer tubes and collar on the THSA ball nut to detect discrepancies, including ball migration, distortion, or evidence of disconnection of the THSA ball nut; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3088 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4093 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both Revision 04, both dated September 5, 2002; as applicable. Repeat this inspection at intervals not to exceed 150 flight hours until paragraph (g) of this AD is accomplished. If any discrepancy is found during any inspection in accordance with this paragraph, before further flight, repair the THSA, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). (1) For airplanes equipped with a THSA having P/N 47172 or 47147-400: Except as provided by paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, for airplanes inspected before the effective date of this AD in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, do the initial inspection within 150 flight hours since the most recent inspection in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD. Accomplishment of this inspection terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (2) For airplanes equipped with a THSA having P/N 47172 or 47147-400: Except as provided by paragraph (c)(3) of this AD, for airplanes not inspected before the effective date of this AD in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, do the initial inspection within 150 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. Accomplishment of this inspection within the compliance time specified in paragraph (a) of this AD eliminates the need to accomplish the inspection in paragraph (a) of this AD and terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (3) For airplanes equipped with a THSA having P/N 47172 or 47147-400: If the “F/CTL PRIM X PITCH FAULT” or “F/CTL STAB CTL FAULT” message is displayed on the electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM) associated with the “PITCH TRIM ACTR (1CS)” maintenance message, do the inspection in paragraph (c) of this AD before further flight after the message is displayed on the ECAM. Repetitive Greasing Procedure (d) For airplanes equipped with a THSA having P/N 47172, 47172-300, or 47147-XXX (where “XXX” is any dash number): Within 700 flight hours after accomplishment of the last greasing of the ball nut of the THSA, grease the ball nut of the THSA in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Doing the actions in Chapter 12-22-27, page block 301, of the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) is one approved method. Repeat the greasing procedures at intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours. If, during any accomplishment of the greasing procedure, the new grease is expelled from the transfer tube (instead of through the vent hole): Before further flight, replace the THSA with a new or serviceable THSA in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Replacement of the THSA in accordance with Chapter 27-44-51 of the Airbus A330/A340 AMM is one approved method. Repetitive Inspections of the Ball Screw Assembly and Corrective Actions (e) For airplanes equipped with a THSA having P/N 47172, 47172-300, or 47147-XXX (where “XXX” is any dash number): Except as provided by paragraph (f) of this AD, within 700 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of the ball screw assembly for discrepancies; including cracks, metallic debris, dents, corrosion, loose nuts, and damaged or missing lock washers and pins; and an inspection of the gap between the secondary nut tenons and the transfer plates using a feeler gage to ensure free movement; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3102, Revision 05, dated July 7, 2004 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-27-4107, Revision 04, dated June 20, 2003 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); as applicable. A detailed inspection done in accordance with Task 27-44-51-210-805 of the Airbus A330/A340 AMM is one approved method of compliance with the inspection requirements of this paragraph. An operational test in accordance with Task 27-90-00-810-847 is another approved method for compliance with the inspection requirements of this paragraph, provided that, if the operational test confirms a discrepancy, the detailed inspection required by this paragraph, and applicable corrective actions, are done before further flight. (1) Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 700 flight hours, except as provided by paragraph (f) of this AD. (2) If any discrepancy is found that is outside the limits specified in the applicable service bulletin, before further flight, replace the THSA with a new part, in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the DGAC (or its delegated agent). Replacement of the THSA in accordance with Chapter 27-44-51 of the Airbus A330/A340 AMM is one approved method. Note 2: There is no terminating action at this time for the repetitive actions required by paragraphs (d) and (e) of this AD. (f) If the “F/CTL PRIM X PITCH FAULT” or “F/CTL STAB CTL FAULT” message is displayed on the ECAM associated with the “PITCH TRIM ACTR (1CS)” maintenance message, do the inspection in paragraph (e) of this AD before further flight after the message is displayed on the ECAM. Modification (g) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the ball nut of each THSA by doing paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Accomplishment of paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (c) of this AD. (1) For THSAs having P/N 47172: Modify the ball nut of the THSA, or replace the existing THSA with a serviceable part having P/N 47172-300; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3085 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4089 (for Model A340-313 series airplanes), both Revision 02, both dated September 5, 2002; as applicable. Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3085 and A340-27-4089 refer to TRW Aeronautical Systems Service Bulletin 47172-27-03, dated October 24, 2001, as the appropriate source of service information for additional instructions for accomplishing the modification of the ball nut of the THSA. (2) For THSAs having P/N 47147-2XX, 47147-3XX, or 47147-400 (where “XX” represents any dash number): Modify the ball nut of the THSA, or replace the existing THSA with an improved part having P/N 47147-500; as applicable; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3093 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4099 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both Revision 01, both dated September 5, 2002; as applicable. Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3093 and A340-27-4099 refer to TRW Aeronautical Systems Service Bulletin 47147-27-10, dated June 27, 2002, as the appropriate source of service information for additional instructions for accomplishing the modification of the ball nut of the THSA. Previous/Concurrent Requirements (h) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, do all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Airbus service bulletins listed in Table 1 or 2 of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with those service bulletins. Note 5: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3093, Revision 01, dated September 5, 2002, specifies that the actions in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3052 must be accomplished previously or concurrently. Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3052, Revision 03, dated December 5, 2001, specifies that the actions in Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3007, A330-27-3015, A330-27-3047, A330-27-3050, and A330-55-3020 must be accomplished previously or concurrently. Note 6: Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4099, Revision 01, dated September 5, 2002, specifies that the actions in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4059 must be accomplished previously or concurrently. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4059, Revision 03, dated December 5, 2001, specifies that the actions in Airbus Service Bulletins A340-27-4007, A340-27-4025, A340-27-4054, A340-27-4057, and A340-55-4021, must be accomplished previously or concurrently. Table 1.—Previous/Concurrent Requirements for Model A330 Series Airplanes Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date Main action Additional source of service information A330-27-3007 01 September 18, 1996 Replace rudder servo controls with modified parts Samm Avionique Service Bulletin SC5300-27-24-01, dated April 15, 1994. A330-27-3015 Original June 7, 1995 Modify the control valve detent and the jamming protection device on the THSA Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-02, Revision 1, dated January 31, 1996. A330-27-3047 01 November 26, 1997 Replace hydraulic motors on the THSA with new parts Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-04, Revision 1, dated June 20, 1997. A330-27-3050 Original November 15, 1996 Replace mechanical input shaft for THSA with modified part Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-05, dated November 8, 1996. A330-27-3052 03 December 5, 2001 Replace THSA with a modified THSA Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-07, dated May 4, 1998. A330-55-3020 01 October 21, 1998 Perform a general visual inspection of the THSA screw jack fitting assembly for correct installation of a washer; and correctly install washer as applicable None. Table 2.—Previous/Concurrent Requirements for Model A340 Series Airplanes Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date Main action Additional source of service information A340-27-4007 Original April 7, 1994 Replace hydraulic motors on the THSA with new parts Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-01, dated May 4, 1998. A340-27-4025 Original June 7, 1995 Modify the control valve detent and the jamming protection device on the THSA Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-02, Revision 1, dated January 31, 1996. A340-27-4054 01 November 26, 1997 Replace hydraulic motors on the THSA with new parts Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-04, Revision 1, dated June 20, 1997. A340-27-4057 Original November 15, 1996 Replace mechanical input shaft for THSA with modified part Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-05, dated November 8, 1996. A340-27-4059 03 December 5, 2001 Replace THSA with a modified THSA Lucas Aerospace Service Bulletin 47147-27-07, dated May 4, 1998. A340-55-4021 01 October 21, 1998 Perform a general visual inspection of the THSA screw jack fitting assembly for correct installation of a washer; and correctly install washer as applicable None. Note 7: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Actions Accomplished Previously (i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with previous revisions of the service information referenced in this AD are acceptable for corresponding actions required by this AD as specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), and (i)(4) of this AD. (1) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3088 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4093 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both Revision 03, both excluding Appendix 01, both dated October 19, 2001; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with paragraph (c) of this AD. (2) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3102, Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated November 7, 2002, Revision 03, excluding Appendix 01, dated June 20, 2003, or Revision 04, dated December 8, 2003 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-27-4107, Revision 03, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 4, 2002 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with paragraph (e) of this AD. (3) Modifications accomplished in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3085 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4089 (for Model A340-313 series airplanes), both Revision 01, both dated January 23, 2002; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (4) Modifications accomplished in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3093 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-27-4099 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both dated June 27, 2002; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. No Reporting Required (j) Where Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3088, Revision 04, dated September 5, 2002; A340-27-4093, Revision 04, dated September 5, 2002; A330-27-3102, Revision 05, dated July 7, 2004; and A340-27-4107, Revision 04, dated June 20, 2003; describe procedures for completing a reporting sheet with inspection results, this AD does not require that action. Alternative Methods of Compliance (k) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (l) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3088, dated April 5, 2001; Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4093, dated April 5, 2001; or the Airbus service bulletins listed in Table 3 of this AD; as applicable. Table 3.—Airbus Service Bulletins Incorporated by Reference Service bulletin Revision Date A330-27-3007 01 September 18, 1996. A330-27-3015 Original June 7, 1995. A330-27-3047 01 November 26, 1997. A330-27-3050 Original November 15, 1996. A330-27-3052 03 December 5, 2001. A330-27-3085 02 September 5, 2002. A330-27-3088, excluding Appendix 01 04 September 5, 2002. A330-27-3093 01 September 5, 2002. A330-27-3102, excluding Appendix 01 05 July 7, 2004. A330-55-3020 01 October 21, 1998. A340-27-4007 Original April 7, 1994. A340-27-4025 Original June 7, 1995. A340-27-4054 01 November 26, 1997. A340-27-4057 Original November 15, 1996. A340-27-4059 03 December 5, 2001. A340-27-4089 02 September 5, 2002. A340-27-4093, excluding Appendix 01 04 September 5, 2002. A340-27-4099 01 September 5, 2002. A340-27-4107, excluding Appendix 01 04 June 20, 2003. A340-55-4021 01 October 21, 1998. Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3007, Revision 01, contains the following effective pages:   Page No. Revision level shown on the page Date shown on the page 1, 7 01 September 18, 1996. 2-6 Original October 5, 1994. (1) The incorporation by reference of the Airbus Service Bulletins in Table 3 of this AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operators Telex A330-27A3088, dated April 5, 2001; and Airbus All Operators Telex A340-27A4093, dated April 5, 2001; was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 26, 2001 (66 FR 31143, June 11, 2001). (3) To get copies of this service information, go to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Note 8: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives F-2002-414 R3, dated July 7, 2004, and 2002-415(B) R2, dated October 30, 2002. Effective Date (m) This amendment becomes effective on May 4, 2005. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 17, 2005. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-6111 Filed 3-29-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P