AD NUMBER: 2011-21-14

MANUFACTURER: Airbus Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-21-14
ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). 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 has published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88). Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for passenger transport aeroplanes ... are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. The replacement of some types of P-clips and improvement of the electrical bonding of the equipment in the fuel tanks [were] are rendered mandatory.

Subsequently, an internal review ... led ... to ... an additional check [for blue coat] of the bonding points in the centre tank. More recently, another internal review [introduced] additional work [installing bonding points] for aeroplanes under Configuration 03 ... and additional work [bonding the fuel jettison system–blanking plates] on the wing tanks for aeroplanes under Configuration 07.

The unsafe condition is damage to wiring in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, due to failed Pclips used for retaining the wiring and pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the wing, center, or trim fuel tanks.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 23, 2011.

FMI: AD