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 partic ipate 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 ens ured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an aircraft to which an Airworthiness Directive app lies, except in accordance with the requirements of that Airworthiness Directive unless otherwise specified by the Ag ency [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, m odels -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 in flatable 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 coverclosure 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 & Re search Section, Certification Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu

. 4. For any question concerning the te chnical content of the requirements in this AD, please contact: AIRBUS – Airworthiness Office – EAL; E-mail: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com

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