# Proposed AD FAA-2015-4810: Airbus Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2016-07-30
- Products: Airbus
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: November 12, 2015, 80 FR 69899
- Comments due: December 28, 2015
- Became: [AD 2016-07-30](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2016-07-30)
- Docket: FAA-2015-4810 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2015-4810, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2015-NM-090-AD
- FR document: 2015-28559
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/3e/7d/3e7dc342aa119a501dc4a645caf49fc2e75c6b46950ebd74a2a8c698892bdcf4 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-11-12/pdf/2015-28559.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/11/12/2015-28559/airworthiness-directives-airbus-airplanes
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/F1863317AEF1944C86257EFB00567FEE.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2015-4810

## Summary

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of blockage of Angle of Attack (AOA) probes during climb, leading to activation of the Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot) while the Mach number increased. This activation could cause a continuous nose-down pitch rate that cannot be stopped with backward sidestick input, even in the full backward position. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing certain AOA sensors (probes) with certain new AOA sensors. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would also require inspections and functional heat testing of certain AOA sensors for discrepancies, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous AOA information and Alpha Prot activation due to blocked AOA probes, which could result in a continuous nose-down command and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

## Notices in this docket

- Nov 12, 2015: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2015-28559, comments due Dec 28, 2015 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/11/12/2015-28559/airworthiness-directives-airbus-airplanes)

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.