AD NUMBER: 2011-18-22

MANUFACTURER: Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 Airplanes, Model A330-300 Series Airplanes, Model A340-200 Series Airplanes, and Model A340-300 Series Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-18-22
ACTION: Final rule.

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:

Surface defects were visually detected on the rudder of * * * [an] in-service aeroplane during scheduled maintenance. Investigation has determined that the defects reported on both rudders corresponded to areas that had been reworked in production. The investigation confirmed that the surface defects were a result of de-bonding between the skin and honeycomb core.

An extended de-bonding, if not detected and corrected, may degrade the structural integrity of the rudder. The loss of the rudder leads to degradation of the handling qualities and reduces the controllability of the aeroplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 18, 2011

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/F0BC13036976C89D8625790A004F125C?OpenDocument