Summary
We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-23- 12, which applies to certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, - 223F, -243, and -243F Airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2010-23-12 requires inspecting to determine the part number for Thales Avionics Angle of Attack (AoA) probes, and replacing any affected probe with a serviceable probe. Since we issued AD 2010-23-12 we received reports that the AoA sensors on certain airplanes were modified and re- identified without performing the inspection to determine the part number; therefore, the affected probes were not replaced with serviceable probes. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability and, for certain airplanes, require those affected probes be replaced. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous AoA information and consequent delayed activation or non-activation of the AoA protection systems, which, in combination with flight at a high angle of attack, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.