AD NUMBER: 2011-24-09

MANUFACTURER: Airbus A340-200 -300 Series Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-24-09
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments

SUMMARY: This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product.

The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

[T]he FAA published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88) [(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001)]. By mail referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 of March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/03- L024 of February 3rd, 2003 the JAA [Joint Aviation Authorities] recommended to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) the application of a similar regulation. The aim of this [EASA] regulation is to require ... a definition review against explosion hazards.

This AD requires inspections to verify electrical bonding to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 14, 2011.

FMI: AD