AD/A330/85 CFRP Rudder 2 (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/A330/85 CFRP Rudder - 2 3/2008 DM

Applicability:

All Model A330-300 series aircraft, all serial numbers, on which a Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) rudder part number A55471500 series is installed, and;

Any rudder part number A55471500 series held as a spare.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the requirements of EASA AD 2008-0012.

Note:  AIRBUS Service Bulletins A330-55-3037 original issue, and A330-55-3038 original issue, or later EASA approved revisions, refer.

Compliance:

As specified in the Requirement document.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 28 January 2008.

Background:

Based on some recent in-service findings for fluid ingress and/or inner skin disbond damage on rudders, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the rudder, AIRBUS has introduced structural inspections to specific areas of the rudder. 

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

16 January 2008