ALL OPERATORS TELEX – ALL OPERATORS TELEX

SUBJECT: ATA 25 OFF-WING RAMP SLIDE SOFT COVER CLOSURE AND VENT VALVE

ACTIVATION INSPECTION

OUR REF: AOT A340-25A5191 dated 18 JAN 2011

1. AIRCRAFT AFFECTED

ALL A340-600 FROM MSN 371 TO MSN 1122 INCLUDED.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTATION

2.1 AMM 25-62-43-000-801 Removal of the Offwing Escape-Slide

2.2 AMM 25-62-43-400-801 Installation of the Offwing Escape-Slide

2.3 AMM FIGURE 25-62-43-991-00100 / SHEET 2/2 Escape-Slide Assembly

2.4 AMM 25-62-46-000-801 Removal of the Inflation Reservoir

2.5 AMM 25-62-46-400-801 Installation of the Inflation Reservoir

2.6 AMM FIGURE 25-62-46-991-00100 / SHEET 2/2 Inflation Reservoir Assembly

2.7 GOODRICH ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN 4A3931-25A400 revision 1

2.8 AIRBUS TECHNICAL FOLLOW-UP TFU 25.60.00.012

3. REASONS

3.1 FACTS

An A340-600 operator has reported the in-flight loss of the blow-out panel and the inflatable assembly

from an off-wing ramp-slide.

Investigation has not completely identified the root cause of the event.

However, the investigation has revealed the two main indicators of a potential slide loss, which are the

packboard soft covers not fully closed and the vent valve not activated.

3.2 CONSEQUENCES

In flight, the air contained in the inflatable assembly could increase in volume due to changes in air

pressure. As a result, pack growth could occur and apply loads on the packboard soft covers and the

blow-out panel attachment hardware.

A vent valve is used to balance pressure inside the inflatable with the ambient air pressure, and deactivation of this vent valve could lead to pack growth. 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. The ramp slide might be pulled from its compartment by the aerodynamic

loads, which in turn could cause damage to the aircraft fuselage.

3.3 AIM

The aim of this AOT is to specify a one-time inspection of the soft cover condition and check of the

vent valve function on each off-wing ramp slide. If the soft covers are observed open or if the slide
release pin is not fully engaged and not correctly secured with safety tie, or if the vent valve

activation check is not successful, the ramp slide must be removed from the aircraft and restored.

4. SHORT-TERM ACTION

4.1 PLANNING AND MANPOWER

4.1.1 ACCOMPLISHMENT TIMESCALE

This one-time inspection as per paragraph 4.2 must be performed no later than 3 months from receipt

of this AOT.

For off-wing ramp slide spares, operators are requested to perform this one-time inspection as per

Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 4A3931-25A400 revision 1 paragraph 3 "Accomplishment Instructions"

before installation on aircraft.

4.1.2 MANPOWER

As per Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 4A3931-25A400 revision 1, the inspection of the off-wing ramp

slide can be either done on aircraft or in the workshop.

On-aircraft inspection :

Total man-hours per aircraft: 3 man-hours

Total man-hours per ramp slide: 1.5 man-hours

In-workshop inspection :

Total man-hours per ramp slide: 0.5 man-hour

(off-wing ramp slide removal is not considered)

Man-hours may vary depending upon the equipment unit conditions noted during the inspection.

4.2 DESCRIPTION

If the inspection is performed in the workshop, proceed as per instructions provided in the Goodrich

Alert Service Bulletin 4A3931-25A400 revision 1.

If the inspection is performed on the aircraft, proceed as follows :

WARNING: •FOLLOW ALL WARNING AND CAUTION NOTES AND PROCEDURES IN THE

••APPLICABLE AIRBUS AMM 25-62-43 PB401 WHEN PERFORMING THE

••FOLLOWING WORK PROCEDURES.

4.2.1 Make sure that the emergency control-handle is set to the disarmed position and that the safety

pin is installed according to AMM task 25-62-43-000-801.

4.2.2 Put a warning notice in position to tell persons not to arm the door.

4.2.3 Put an access platform, 5 m (16 ft) – Adjustable in position adjacent to the applicable escape

ramp slide on one side of the aircraft.

4.2.4 Safety the applicable Main Landing Gear (MLG) door and flaps according to AMM task 25-62-

43-000-801.

4.2.5 Put a warning notice in position to tell persons not to operate the MLG doors or flaps.
4.2.6 Get access to the avionics compartment. Then open, safety and tag this (these) circuit

breaker(s):

••••

PANEL••DESIGNATION•••FIN••LOCATION

721VU ••SRPSU NORM• ••1NG ••N14

FOR FIN 7932MX (PRESSURE BOTTLE LH)•••

722VU ••CIDS; DEU B L FWD NORM • 613RH ••A03

743VU ••CIDS DEU B L ESS• •1415RH ••A95

FOR FIN 7933MX (PRESSURE BOTTLE RH)•••

722VU ••CIDS; DEU B R FWD NORM • 614RH ••A04

743VU ••CIDS DEU B R ESS• •1416RH ••A96

4.2.7 Put an access platform, 3 m (10 ft) – Adjustable in position in the wheel well to get access to

the inflation reservoir.

4.2.8 In the belly fairing, gain access to the off-wing reservoir assembly.

4.2.9 Install the safety pin in the regulator valve assembly of the inflation reservoir.

4.2.10 Disconnect the pressure hose connection from the inflation reservoir and put a blanking plug

on the disconnected line end according to AMM task 25-62-46-000-801.

4.2.11 Perform the inspection as per Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 4A3931-25A400 revision 1

paragraph "Accomplishment Instructions" steps 3.A.(1) to 3.A.(8).

4.2.12 Record findings from paragraphs 4.2.11 on the survey sheet attached to the Goodrich Alert

Service Bulletin 4A3931-25A400 revision 1.

4.2.13 If an adverse finding is noted from paragraph 4.2.11, remove the off-wing ramp slide at fault

and install a serviceable ramp slide prior to the next flight, according to AMM task 25-62-43-400-801.

NOTE: •Any adverse condition(s) present on the slide unit can be rectified per Goodrich Alert

Service Bulletin 4A3931-25A400 revision 1, paragraph 3.H.

4.2.14 Remove the blanking plug from the disconnected line end. Connect the pressure hose

connection to the inflation reservoir according to AMM task 25-62-46-400-801.

4.2.15 Move the access platform to the other side of the aircraft and repeat the steps 4.2.1 to 4.2.14.

4.2.16 Put the Aircraft back to its Initial Configuration according to AMM task 25-62-43-400-801.

4.2.17 Make sure the safety pin is removed from the regulator valve assembly of the inflation

reservoirs.

4.2.18 Get access to the avionics compartment. Then remove the safety clip(s) and the tag(s) and

close this(these) circuit breaker(s): 1NG, 613RH, 1415RH, 614RH and 1416RH.

4.2.19 Remove the warning notices.

4.2.20 Remove the ground support and maintenance equipment, the special and standard tools and

all other items.
4.3 MATERIAL-TOOLING

- Access Platform, 5 m (16 ft) – Adjustable

- Access Platform, 3 m (10 ft) – Adjustable

- Refer to Airbus AMM tasks 25-62-43-000-801 and 25-62-46-400-801

- Refer to Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 4A3931-25A400 revision 1.

5. FURTHER ACTION

The associated Goodrich Packing Instructions have been revised to introduce the vent valve

activation check procedure to ensure correct vent valve functioning after off-wing ramp slide packing

completion.

The Technical Follow-Up TFU 25.60.00.012 will provide operators with investigation results and

associated solution status.

Inspection findings reported to Airbus will allow Airbus and Goodrich to review and further determine

the root cause of this issue.

6. AOT APPROVAL

The technical content of this AOT has been approved under EASA Design Organisation Approval

EASA.21J.031.

It is anticipated that this AOT will be rendered mandatory by issuance of an EASA Airworthiness

Directive.

7. RECORDING/ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Operators are requested to acknowledge receipt of this AOT to:

Mrs. V. HOLDEN, SEE

E-mail: valerie.holden@airbus.com

Fax number +33 (0)5 61 93 44 25

Within 48 hours after receipt. This acknowledgement can be made through the Airbus RCSR office

when available.

This acknowledgement can be made through the Airbus RCSR office when available.

Operators are requested to report inspection findings to:

Mr. M. ALAHYANE, SEEC2

Phone: +33 (0)5 67 19 73 12

Fax number +33 (0)5 61 93 44 25

E-mail: mohamed.alahyane@airbus.com

Philippe GOURDON

VICE PRESIDENT A330/A340 PROGRAMME

CUSTOMER SERVICES DIRECTORATE
If you receive this message via e-mail/internet, we draw your attention to the fact that it may be

monitored and/or intercepted. Further, whilst Airbus has taken reasonable measures to ensure the

integrity of this message and its contents, no warranty, whether express or implied is given that the

contents hereof conform to the original. In case of any doubt, please, retrieve this document from

your SITA address or AirbusWorld or request that it be retransmitted by fax or telex.