AD NUMBER: 2011-08-12

MANUFACTURER: Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-08-12

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 one Airbus A319 and one A321 in-service airplane. Investigation has determined that the defects reported on both rudders corresponded to areas that had been reworked in production. The investigation confirmed that the defects were the result of de-bonding between the skin and honeycomb core. Such reworks were also performed on some rudders fitted on A330-300 and A340-200/-300 airplanes.

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 airplane.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/CCF6E7366D133564862578790051C75B?OpenDocument