AD 2009-18-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes

Models named: A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-243, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, equipped with Thales Avionics pitot probes having part number (P/N) C16195AA or C16195BA. (1) Airbus Model A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-223, A330-243, A330-301, A330-302, A330-303, A330-321, A330-322, A330-323, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 series airplanes. (2) Airbus Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and A340-313 series airplanes. (3) Airbus Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Replacement (g) Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the applicable replacements required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. (1) For airplanes equipped with Thales Avionics pitot probes, P/N C16195AA, in position 2 (first officer): Replace the P/N C16195AA pitot probe with a Thales Avionics pitot probe having P/N C16195BA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1—Service Bulletins for Replacements Specified in Paragraph ( g )(1) of This AD For model— Use Airbus Service Bulletin— Revision— Dated— A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 series airplanes A330-34-3206 01 November 12, 2008. A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes A340-34-4200 01 November 12, 2008. A340-541 and -642 airplanes A340-34-5068 Original December 1, 2008. (2) For airplanes equipped with Thales Avionics pitot probes, P/N C16195AA or P/N C16195BA, in position 1 (captain) or 3 (standby): Replace P/N C16195AA and P/N C16195BA pitot probes with Goodrich pitot probes having P/N 0851HL, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD. Table 2—Service Bulletins for Replacements Specified in Paragraph ( g )(2) of This AD For model— Use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin— Revision— Dated— A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 series airplanes A330-34-3231 Original August 12, 2009. A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes A340-34-4238 Original August 12, 2009. A340-541 and -642 airplanes A340-34-5071 Original August 12, 2009. Optional Replacement (h) Installing Goodrich pitot probes having P/N 0851HL in position 2 (first officer), in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent); is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Credit for Actions Done in Accordance With Previous Issues of Service Bulletins (i) Accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3206, dated September 14, 2007; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4200, dated September 14, 2007; as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Related AD 2004-03-33 (j) Doing the applicable replacements required by this AD terminates the replacements required by paragraphs (g)(2) and (h)(2) of AD 2004-03-33. (k) Doing the applicable replacements required by this AD is acceptable for compliance with the replacements required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (h)(1) of AD 2004-03-33. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l) 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. Related Information (m) None. Material Incorporated by Reference (n) You must use the applicable service information contained in Table 3 of this AD 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. Table 3—Material Incorporated by Reference Service Bulletin Revision Date Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-34-3231 Original August 12, 2009. Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-4238 Original August 12, 2009. Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-34-5071 Original August 12, 2009. Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3206 01 November 12, 2008. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4200 01 November 12, 2008. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5068 Original December 1, 2008. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 24, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-21368 Filed 9-2-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of airspeed indication discrepancies while flying at high altitudes in inclement weather conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent airspeed discrepancies, which could lead to disconnection of the autopilot and/or auto-thrust functions, and reversion to flight control alternate law and consequent increased pilot workload. Depending on the prevailing airplane altitude and weather, this condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced control of the airplane.