Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections for proper installation of the parachute pins located in the escape slides/rafts at the door 3 Type I emergency exits on the left and right sides of the airplane; a one-time inspection of the associated electrical harnesses for the escape slides/rafts for proper routing and installation; and corrective actions if necessary. This proposal also would require adjustment of the speed lacing for the soft covers of the escape slides/rafts, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the escape slides/rafts to deploy correctly at door 3 Type I emergency exits, which could result in the escape slides/rafts being unusable during an emergency evacuation, and consequent injury to passengers or crew members. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.