AD/A330/56 Wing Leading Edge Blow-Down Panels (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Airbus Industrie A330 Series Aeroplanes

AD/A330/56 Wing Leading Edge Blow-Down Panels 4/2006

Applicability:

All Model A330 aircraft; except aircraft with Airbus Service Bulletin (SB)
A330-57-3091 embodied in service.

This Directive is not applicable to aircraft on which all affected panel landing assemblies mentioned in SB A330-57-3091 have been replaced in accordance with:

Modification 53383 or SB A330-57-3084.

Modification 47249 or SB A330-57-3063.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the requirements of EASA AD 2006-0048.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 April 2006.

Background:

Several operators have reported the in-flight loss (full or partial) of leading edge blow-down panels at various positions along the wing.  Investigation of the affected area revealed wear of the rivet slots, a complete shearing of the rivets or cracks on the horizontal flange of the landing angle.  Analysis has concluded that the damage was related to wing vibration, wing bending affects and high aerodynamic uploads.  The actions required by this Directive are intended to prevent loss of the blow-down panels and potential injury to personnel on the ground.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

3 March 2006