AD 2016-10-08

This AD is effective June 24, 2016.

None.

This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) of this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.

(2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.

(3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.

(4) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.

(5) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.

(6) Model A340-541 airplanes.

(7) Model A340-642 airplanes.

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.

This AD was prompted by the results of endurance qualification tests on the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), which revealed a partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB) efficiency in specific load conditions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of the THSA. Such a condition could lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain load conditions and, in conjunction with the inability of the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could result in uncommanded movements of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.

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

Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the THSA to determine if it has a part number that is specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, and to determine the total number of flight cycles accumulated since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement. A review of airplane delivery or maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that review.

(1) For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes: Part number (P/N) 47147-500, 47147-700, 47172-300, 47172-500, 47172-510, or 47172-520.

(2) For Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes: P/N 47175-200, 47175-300, 47175-500, or 47175-520.

For Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, replace each affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated July 15, 2014; as applicable.

Note 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this AD:

The THSA life limits specified in Part 4—Aging System Maintenance of the Airbus A330 and A340 Airworthiness Limitations Sections are still relevant, as applicable to airplane model and THSA part number.

(1) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 20,000 total flight cycles since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

(2) For a THSA that has accumulated or exceeded 16,000 total flight cycles, but less than 20,000 total flight cycles since the THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the effective date of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(i) For Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, and A330-300 series airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD but without exceeding 20,000 total flight cycles.

(ii) For Model A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD but without exceeding 20,000 total flight cycles.

(3) For a THSA that has accumulated less than 16,000 total flight cycles since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the effective date of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

The requirements of this paragraph apply to Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD that has accumulated less than 16,000 total flight cycles since first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB replacement, whichever is later, as of the effective date of this AD. Not later than the date specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, as applicable: For any THSA having reached or exceeded on that date the corresponding number of total flight cycles as specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, as applicable, replace the THSA with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated July 15, 2014; as applicable.

(1) As of 12 months after the effective date of this AD: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 16,000 total flight cycles.

(2) As of July 31, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 14,000 total flight cycles.

(3) As of July 31, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 12,000 total flight cycles.

For Airbus Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes having a THSA with a part number specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Not later than the date specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3), and (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable, for any THSA having reached or exceeded on that date the corresponding number of total flight cycles as specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3), and (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable, replace each affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5062, dated July 15, 2014.

(1) As of the effective date of this AD: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 6,000 total flight cycles.

(2) As of April 30, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 5,200 total flight cycles.

(3) As of April 30, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 4,400 total flight cycles.

(4) As of April 30, 2019: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since last NBB replacement, whichever occurs later) is 3,500 total flight cycles.

For any part installed, as required by this AD, having a part number identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: From the dates specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD, as applicable, and prior to exceeding the accumulated number of total flight cycles corresponding to each time, replace each affected THSA with a serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD.

(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014.

(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated July 15, 2014.

(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5062, dated July 15, 2014.

For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable THSA is a THSA:

(1) Having a part number identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD that has not exceeded any of the total accumulated flight cycles identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(3) of this AD, or paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable; or

(2) Having a part number that is not identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.

From each date specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, and paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable, a THSA having a part number identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD may be installed on any airplane, provided the THSA has not exceeded the corresponding number of accumulated total flight cycles.

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, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0257R1, dated May 29, 2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0006.

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3199, dated July 15, 2014.

(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4190, dated July 15, 2014.

(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-5062, dated July 15, 2014.

(3) 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; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.

(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.