AD 2016-21-08 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers except those on which Airbus modification 203972 has been embodied in production. (2) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2013-25-08, with no changes. Except for Model A330-223F and A330-243F airplanes: Do the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. (1) For airplanes that do not have Airbus Modification 54491 embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 embodied in service: Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09, Amendment 39-16068 (74 FR 62208, November 27, 2009) (“AD 2009-24-09”)), whichever occurs first, inspect the check valves on the blue, green, and yellow hydraulic systems to identify their part numbers (P/Ns), in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (i) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are installed on all three hydraulic systems, before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD. After accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(ii) and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD at the applicable compliance times specified in those paragraphs. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (ii) If check valves having P/N CAR401 are not installed on all three hydraulic systems, no further action is required by this paragraph until any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced with a check valve having P/N CAR401. If any check valve having P/N CAR400 is replaced by a check valve having P/N CAR401, before further flight, do the inspection specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to determine if all three hydraulic systems are equipped with check valves having P/N CAR401. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (2) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 54491 was embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 was embodied in service, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD. (i) Except as required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A) and (g)(2)(i)(B) of this AD, as applicable: Do the inspection program (detailed inspection of the lock wire for presence and integrity, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) on yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, install new lock wires, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.1 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (A) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 54491 has been embodied in production: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A)( 1 ) and (g)(2)(i)(A)( 2 ) of this AD. ( 1 ) Before the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles since first flight but no earlier than the accumulation of 700 total flight cycles since first flight. ( 2 ) Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09), whichever occurs first. (B) For airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 was embodied in service: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(B)( 1 ) and (g)(2)(i)(B)( 2 ) of this AD. ( 1 ) Within 1,000 flight cycles since the embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078 but no earlier than 700 flight cycles after the embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-29-3101 or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-29-4078. ( 2 ) Within 100 flight cycles or 28 days after December 14, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-24-09), whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, do the inspection program (detailed inspection of the lock wire for presence and integrity, a detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and an inspection for proper torque) and install a new lock wire on the green high pressure manifold; and do an inspection (detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and detailed inspection to determine alignment of the check valve and manifold) on the yellow and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.2 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (iii) Within 900 flight hours after accomplishment of paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight hours, do the inspection program (detailed inspection for traces of seepage or black deposits, and detailed inspection to determine alignment of the check valve and manifold) on the green, yellow, and blue high pressure manifolds, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.1.3 of Airbus AOT A330-29A3111, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT A340-29A4086, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2009 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Accomplishment of the inspection program required by paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

This AD was prompted by multiple reports of hydraulic line check valves loosening. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct hydraulic check valve loosening; loosened valves could result in hydraulic leaks, possibly leading to the loss of all three hydraulic systems and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

This AD replaces AD 2013-25-08, Amendment 39-17704 (78 FR 78694, December 27, 2013) (“AD 2013-25-08”).