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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