EASA AD No.: 2011-0017 

EASA Form 110 Page 1/2 

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2011–0017 

Date: 03 February 2011 

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with 

Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States 

and of the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 

66 of that Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, 

the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person 

may operate an aircraft to which an Airworthiness Directive applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that 

Airworthiness Directive unless otherwise specified by the Agency [EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the 

Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption]. 

Type Approval Holder’s Name : 

AIRBUS

Type/Model designation(s) : 

A340-600 aeroplanes 

TCDS Number : EASA.A.015 

Foreign AD : Not applicable 

Supersedure : None 

ATA 25 Equipment/Furnishings – Evacuation Systems– Off-Wing 

Ramp-Slide - Inspection 

Manufacturer(s): Airbus (formerly Airbus Industrie) 

Applicability: Airbus A340 aeroplanes, models -642 and -643, all manufacturer serial 

numbers. 

Reason: An A340-600 operator has reported an in-flight loss of the blow-out panel 

and the slide unit from a Right Hand (RH) off-wing ramp-slide. 

Investigation has revealed that the two main contributor factors of a 

potential in-flight loss of the slide are the packboard soft covers not fully 

closed and the vent valve not activated. 

In flight, the air contained in the inflatable assembly could increase in 

volume due to air pressure changes. Consequently, pack growth could 

occur and apply loads on the packboard soft covers and the blow-out 

panel attachment hardware. To prevent a pack growth, a vent valve is 

installed and when activated can balance pressure inside the inflatable 

assembly with the ambient air pressure. 

Analysis indicates that non activation of the vent valve, followed by soft 

cover opening, could cause the packboard blow-out panel to separate 

from the slide enclosure, resulting in in-flight loss of the off-wing ramp 

slide, which would constitute an unsafe condition. 

For the reasons described above, this AD requires a one-time inspection 

of the soft cover condition and check of the vent valve function on each 

off-wing ramp slide, and accomplishment of the applicable corrective 

actions. 
EASA AD No.: 2011-0017 

EASA Form 110 Page 2/2 

Effective Date: 17 February 2011 

Required action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

(1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, check the soft cover 

closure and vent valve activation on the Left Hand (LH) and RH offwing ramp slides in accordance with the instructions of Airbus All 

Operators Telex (AOT) A340-25A5191. 

(2) If any finding is detected during the inspection required by paragraph 

(1) of this AD, before next flight, replace the off-wing ramp slide by a 

serviceable one in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT 

A340-25A5191. 

(3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any off-wing ramp 

slide P/N 4A3931-X on an aeroplane, unless in compliance with the 

requirements of this AD. 

Ref. Publications: Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A340-25A5191 dated 18 January 2011. 

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

Remarks : 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 

2. The required actions and the risk allowance have granted the 

issuance of a Final AD with Request for Comments, postponing the 

public consultation process after publication. 

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Airworthiness 

Directives, Safety Management & Research Section, Certification 

Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu . 

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements 

in this AD, please contact: 

AIRBUS – Airworthiness Office – EAL; 

E-mail: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com .