AD/A330/77 Flap Down Drive Shaft (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/A330/77 Flap Down Drive Shaft 10/2007

Applicability:

Model A330 aircraft, all manufacturer serial numbers up to and including MSN 0420.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the requirements of EASA Emergency AD 2007-0222-E.

Note:  Airbus Service Bulletin A330-27-3151 original issue, or later EASA approved revision, refers.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of
27 September 2007.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 September 2007.

Background:

Several cases of corrosion and damage on the Down Drive Shafts (DDS), between the Down Drive Gearbox and the Input Gear Box (IPGB), on all ten Flap Tracks, have been reported by Airbus Long Range Operators.

This Directive mandates an initial inspection of all DDS and IPGB (to detect corrosion and wear), on all aircraft older than six years since Airbus original delivery date of the aircraft.

Undetected corrosion and wear could cause down drive shaft disconnection which could result in a free moveable flap surface, potentially leading to an asymmetric flap condition or even flap detachment.

Charles Lenarcic
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

17 August 2007