2007-05-12: S4- and MZ-type spoiler servo controls (SSCs)

2007-05-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-14973. Docket No. FAA-2006-26707; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-157-AD. Effective Date (a) This AD becomes effective April 11, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; certificated in any category; excluding airplanes on which AIRBUS Modification 44670 has been embodied in production. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a new load duty cycle defined by the manufacturer. Additional fatigue tests and calculations done on this basis indicated that the spoiler valve manifold of the S4-type spoiler servo controls (SSCs), and, on certain airplanes, the maintenance cover of the MZ-SSCs, may crack during its service life due to pressure impulse fatigue. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of certain SSCs, which could result in hydraulic leakage and consequent loss of SSC function and loss of the associated hydraulic system. These conditions could affect all three hydraulic systems, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Determine the Part Number of the SSCs/Replace If Necessary (f) For Model A330-200 airplanes: Within 70 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the part number of all SSCs in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 2006. (1) If the part number is not identified in Table 1 of paragraph 3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin: No further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If the part number is identifiedin Table 1 of paragraph 3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i), (f)(2)(ii), and (f)(2)(iii) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (i) If any SSC is installed in positions 2 through 6: Before the accumulation of 6,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC. (ii) If any SSC is installed in position 1: Before the accumulation of 11,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC. (iii) If the total flight cycles on any SSC exceed the total flight cycles specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, or if the total flight cycles are unknown: Before further flight, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC. (3) If any SSC has a missing identification plate, before further flight, identify the part number of the cylinder housing of the SSC by using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). Before further flight after determining the part number, accomplish the requirements specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (g) For Model A330-300 airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes: Within 70 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the part number of all SSCs in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 2006; or A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; as applicable. (1) If the part number is not identified in Table 1 of paragraph 3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin: No further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If the part number is identified in Table 1 of paragraph 3.B.(1)(a) or 3.B.(2)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), and (g)(2)(iii) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. (i) If any SSC is installed in positions 2 through 6: Before the accumulation of 14,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC. (ii) If any SSC is installed in position 1: Before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles on the SSC since new, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC. (iii) If the total flight cycles on any SSC exceed the total flight cycles specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, or if the total flight cycles are unknown: Before further flight, replace the SSC with a 138X-type SSC. (3) If any SSC has a missing identification plate, before further flight, identify the part number ofthe SSC cylinder housing by using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its delegated agent). Before further flight after determining the part number, accomplish the requirements specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 2006; and A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; refer to LIEBHERR Service Information Letters SIL 142, Revision 2, dated September 28, 2005; and SIL 190, dated September 27, 2005; respectively, as additional sources of service information for accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD. Action Not Required (h) Airbus Service Bulletins A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 2006; and A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; recommend providing LIEBHERR-AEROSPACE with the part number and serial number of the cylinder housing of the SSC if the identification plate is missing; this AD requires identifying the part number of the SSC cylinder housing by using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its delegated agent). Actions Done According to Previous Issues of Service Bulletins (i) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of that paragraph if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1.--Previous Airbus Service Bulletins Service Bulletin Revision Level Date A330-27-3113 Original September 15, 2003 A330-27-3113 Revision 01 October 3, 2003 A330-27-3113 Revision 02 June 11, 2004 A330-27-3113 Revision 03 March 17, 2006 A340-27-4139 Original March 17, 2006 Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD,if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec. 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (k) EASA airworthiness directives 2006-0158 and 2006-0159, both dated June 7, 2006, also address the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3113, Revision 04, dated June 13, 2006; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-27-4139, Revision 01, dated June 12, 2006; as applicable, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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 .