ALL OPERATORS TELEX - ALL OPERATORS TELEX


SUBJECT: A340 - ATA52 - INSPECTION OF FORWARD CARGO COMPARTMENT DOOR

OUR REF: AOT A340-52A4092 DATED 20 DECEMBER 2010


1. AIRCRAFT AFFECTED

All A340-200/300 aircraft.
 
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTATION

Ref.1: SRM 52-31-00 Fig.3 Sheet 1 Item 140
Ref.2: SRM 52-31-00 Fig.3 Sheet 1 Item 145

3. REASON

3.1 FACTS

Two operators have recently reported 4 cases of some sheared fasteners 
on the outside skin of the forward cargo door. These findings were 
detected during walk around checks.

Further inspections revealed crack findings on the frame fork ends 
ref.1&2. At time of findings the aircraft had accumulated between 14873 
Flight Cycles (FC) and 16548 FC.

Similar crack findings on the aft cargo door are subject to a mandatory 
inspection program. As of today no specific inspection program exists 
for the forward cargo door.

3.2 CONSEQUENCES

In case of one cracked or ruptured cargo door frame, the loads will be 
transferred to the remaining structural elements. This second load path 
is able to sustain the loads for a limited number of flight cycles.

A Safety Assessment has shown that rupture of two frames represents an 
unsafe condition due to the loss of the structural integrity of the 
forward cargo door.

3.3 AIM

The aim of this AOT is to provide instructions for an inspection of the 
forward cargo door outer skin for sheared, loose or missing rivets at 
all frame fork ends.

4. ACTION REQUIRED

4.1 PLANNING

Before the accumulation of 6000 FC since the first flight or within 400 
FC after the AOT reception, whichever occurs later, the inspection 
described in paragraph 4.3 has to be performed and has to be repeated 
every 800 FC.


4.2 MANPOWER

0.2 man-hours per aircraft are estimated for the inspection.

4.3 DESCRIPTION

Before inspecting, close and lock the forward cargo door.

Perform a detailed visual inspection of outer skin rivets at frames fork 
end between Fr20B and Fr25. Refer to area A of the appendix 01 for 
details of the inspection. Inspect each area for sheared or loose 
rivets.

If no sheared, loose or missing rivet is found, repeat inspection within 
the next 800 FC.

If rivets are found sheared, loose or missing, no further flight is 
permitted. Contact Airbus for corrective action.

4.4 MATERIAL

AIRBUS MATERIAL, LOGISTICS AND SUPPLIERS
WEG BEIM JAEGER 150
D-22335 HAMBURG
GERMANY
FAX: + 49 40 5076 4012
INTERNET: HTTP://SPARES.AIRBUS.COM

5 TERMINATING ACTION

An inspection service bulletin for the forward cargo door is under 
preparation and will supersede and cancel this AOT.
TFU 52.31.00.007 to be published in Dec 2010 will keep operators 
informed about the forthcoming terminating action.

6. AOT APPROVAL

The technical content of this AOT has been approved under EASA design 
organisation EASA.21J.031.

It is anticipated that this AOT will be rendered mandatory by an EASA 
AD.

7. REPORTING/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Operators are requested to acknowledge receipt of this AOT within 48 
hours after receipt to:

MS. CECILE BORDES SEES
E-MAIL Cecile.bordes@airbus.com
FAX NUMBER +33+ (0)5 61.93.47.35

This acknowledgement can be made through the AIRBUS field service where 
available.

Question about this AOT and inspection results with or without findings 
are to be sent to AIRBUS CUSTOMER SERVICES ENGINEERING as soon as 
possible, after the AOT application, to the attention of:

MR. PIERRE BARBEAU SEES3
PHONE NUMBER +33+ (0)5 67.19.73.35
FAX NUMBER +33+ (0)5 61.93.36.14
E-MAIL PIERRE.BARBEAU@AIRBUS.COM

Best Regards

PHILIPPE GOURDON
VICE PRESIDENT A330/A340 PROGRAMME
CUSTOMER SERVICES DIRECTORATE


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