2011-02-09: Auto Flight.

2011-02-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-16583. Docket No. FAA-2011-0029; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-279-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 9, 2011. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -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; all serial numbers. [[Page 4221]] Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 22: Auto Flight. Reason (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) states: When there are significant differences between all airspeed sources, the flight controls of an Airbus A330 or A340 aeroplane will revert to alternate law, the autopilot (AP) and the auto-thrust (A/THR) automatically disconnect, and the Flight Directors (FD) bars are automatically removed. It has been identified that, after such an event, if two airspeed sources become similar while still erroneous, the flight guidance computers will: --Display FD bars again, and --Enable autopilot and auto-thrust re-engagement However, in some cases, the autopilot orders may be inappropriate, such as possible abrupt pitch command. * * * * * The unsafe condition is the potential for abrupt pitch command which may lead to unexpected maneuvers of the airplane and cause injuries of the crew and passengers, as well as reduced controllability of the airplane and increased pilot workload. Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Actions (g) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, do the actions in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following statement and operate the airplane according to these limitations and procedures. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. ``PROCEDURE: When autopilot and auto-thrust are automatically disconnected and flight controls have reverted to alternate law: --Do not engage the AP and the A/THR, even if FD bars have reappeared --Do not follow the FD orders --ALL SPEED INDICATIONS--X-CHECK If unreliable speed indication is suspected: --UNRELIABLE SPEED INDIC/ADR CHECK PROC--APPLY If at least two ADRs provide reliable speed indication for at least 30 seconds, and the aircraft is stablised on the intended path: AP/FD and A/THR--As required'' Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of thisAD may be removed from the AFM. (2) Revise the Limitations and Abnormal Sections of the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the information in Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision (TR) TR149 (for Model A330 airplanes) or TR150 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both Issue 1.0, both dated December 20, 2010. These TRs introduce procedures for operation of the auto pilot and auto-thrust disconnect. Operate the airplane according to the limitations and procedures in the TRs. Note 2: This may be done by inserting copies of Airbus A330/A340 TR TR149 or TR150, both Issue 1.0, both dated December 20, 2010; as applicable; in the Airbus A330/A340 AFM. When these TRs have been included in general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, and the TRs may be removed. FAA AD Differences Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No Differences. Other FAA AD Provisions(h) 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. Send information to Attn: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. 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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200. Related Information (i) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2010-0271, dated December 22, 2010; and Airbus A330/A340 TR TR149 and TR150, both Issue 1.0, both dated December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 AFM; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision TR149, Issue 1.0, dated December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual; and Airbus A330/A340 Temporary Revision TR150, Issue 1.0, dated December 20, 2010, to the Airbus A330/A340 Airplane Flight Manual; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) 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; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.