AD 2011-09-06 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Restatement of Requirements of AD 2002-02-07 Inspection (g) For all airplanes except Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes: Within 18 months since date of manufacture, or within 550 flight hours after March 19, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-02-07), whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed inspection and an operational check of the spring function of the emergency exit door slider mechanism, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-52A3063 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-52A4075 (for Model A340 series airplanes), as applicable, both Revision 01, both dated January 3, 2001. 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.” (1) If all sliders lock properly: Before further flight, apply corrosion inhibitor to the sliders, in accordance with Airbus AOT A330-52A3063 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-52A4075 (for Model A340 series airplanes), as applicable, both Revision 01, both dated January 3, 2001. Thereafter, repeat the inspection and operational check at least every 18 months. (2) If any slider does not lock properly: Before further flight, repair the slider or replace it with a new part, and apply corrosion inhibitor to the sliders; in accordance with Airbus AOT A330-52A3063 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-52A4075 (for Model A340 series airplanes), as applicable, both Revision 01, both dated January 3, 2001. Thereafter, repeat the inspection and operational check at least every 18 months. New Requirements of This AD Inspection (h) For Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes: Within 18 months since date of manufacture, or within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed inspection and an operational check of the spring function of the emergency exit door slider mechanism, in accordance with Airbus AOT A330-52A3063, Revision 01, dated January 3, 2001. (1) If all sliders lock properly: Before further flight, apply corrosion inhibitor to the sliders, in accordance with Airbus AOT A330-52A3063, Revision 01, dated January 3, 2001. Thereafter, repeat the inspection and operational check at least every 18 months. (2) If any slider does not lock properly: Before further flight, repair the slider or replace it with a new part, and apply corrosion inhibitor to the sliders; in accordance with Airbus AOT A330-52A3063, Revision 01, dated January 3, 2001. Thereafter, repeat the inspection and operational check at least every 18 months. FAA AD Differences Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (i) 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, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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) 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. Related Information (j) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-0135, dated July 5, 2010; and Airbus AOTs A330-52A3063 and A340-52A4075, both Revision 01, both dated January 3, 2001; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A330-52A3063, Revision 01, dated January 3, 2001; or Airbus All Operators Telex A340-52A4075, Revision 01, dated January 3, 2001; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of these documents on March 19, 2002 (67 FR 6370, February 12, 2002). (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. (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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 12, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-9278 Filed 4-19-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P