Action
Final rule.
Summary
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-24-09 for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2009-24-09 required a repetitive inspection program on certain check valves in the hydraulic systems that includes, among other things, inspections for lock wire presence and integrity, traces of seepage or black deposits, proper torque, alignment of the check valve and manifold, installing new lock wire, and corrective actions if needed. This new AD expands the applicability, reduces the compliance time, changes torque values of the check valve tightening, and requires a repetitive inspection program for certain check valves in the hydraulic systems on airplanes that have had a certain modification embodied during production or in-service. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of hydraulic line check valves loosening. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such check valve loosening, which could result in hydraulic leaks, possibly leading to the loss of all three hydraulic systems and consequent loss of control of the airplane.