AD 2009-18-19

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 14, 2009.

(b) None.

(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of the AD, certificated in any category.

(1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 series airplanes, all serial numbers.

(2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes, all serial numbers.

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:

An A340 operator has reported an uncommanded engine N°4 shut down during taxi after landing.

The root cause of this event has been identified as failure of the fuel pump Non Return Valve (NRV) preventing the collector cell jet pump from working. This led to engine N°4 collector cell fuel level to drop below the pump inlet and consequently causing engine N°4 flame out.

A330 aircraft which have a similar design are also impacted by this issue.

Multiple NRV failures in combination with failure modes trapping fuel could potentially increase the quantity of unusable fuel on aircraft possibly leading to fuel starvation which could result in engine in-flight shut down and would constitute an unsafe condition.

To prevent such an event, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a periodic operational test to check the correct operation of NRV and to apply the associated corrective actions.

The corrective action includes replacing any failed NRV with a new NRV.

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.

(1) For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 series airplanes: At the later of the times in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, perform an operational test for correct functioning of the NRV and apply all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with instructions defined in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-28-3108, including Appendix 1, dated October 13, 2008. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(i) Within 24 months or 8,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(ii) Before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours after the first flight of the airplane.

(2) For Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes: At the later of the times in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, perform an operational test for correct functioning of the NRV and apply all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with instructions defined in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-28-4123, including Appendix 1, dated October 13, 2008. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(i) Within 24 months or 9,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(ii) Before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight hours after the first flight of the airplane.

(3) Repeat the operational test specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD as applicable, at the applicable interval in paragraph (f)(3)(i) or (f)(3)(ii) of this AD.

(i) For Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 series airplanes: At intervals not to exceed 10,000 flight hours.

(ii) For Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 series airplanes: At intervals not to exceed 25,000 flight hours.

(4) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD to Airbus, at the time specified in paragraph (f)(4)(i) or (f)(4)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. The report must include the information specified in Appendix 1 of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-28-3108 or A340-28-4123, both dated October 13, 2008, as applicable. Send the report to Airbus Department SEEE6, Airbus Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex France, Attn: SDC32 Technical Data and Documentation Services; fax: +33 5 61 93 28 06; e-mail: sb.reporting@airbus.com.

(i) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.

(ii) If the inspection was done on or prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

Note 1:

This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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 appropriate principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or the principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.

(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.

(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2008-0209, dated November 27, 2008; Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletins A330-28-3108 and A340-28-4123, both including Appendix 1, both dated October 13, 2008; for related information.

(i) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-28-3108, including Appendix 1, dated October 13, 2008; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340-28-4123, including Appendix 1, dated October 13, 2008; as applicable; 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; 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.