AD FAA Airbus A 330. A 340

La FAA a émit une Airworthyness Directive concernant les sondes dites de Pitot Sur A 330 et A 340 qui reprend les éléments de l'EASA et dont voici le texte :

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0781; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-111-AD;
Amendment 39-16004; AD 2009-18-08]


RIN 2120-AA64

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
This AD requires replacing certain Thales Avionics pitot probes with certain other pitot probes. This AD results from reports of airspeed indication discrepancies while flying at high altitudes in inclement weather conditions.
We are issuing this AD to prevent airspeed discrepancies, which could lead to disconnection of the autopilot and/or auto-thrust functions, and reversion to flight control alternate law and consequent increased pilot workload. Depending on the prevailing airplane altitude and weather, this condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 8, 2009.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 8, 2009.


The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued a Notification of a Proposal to Issue an Airworthiness Directive (PAD), PAD 09-099, dated August 10, 2009 (referred to after this as "the EASA PAD''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A330- 200 and -300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
The EASA PAD states that airspeed indication discrepancies have been reported on Model A330 and A340 airplanes while flying at high altitudes in inclement weather conditions. Investigation results indicate that these airplanes
equipped with certain Thales Avionics pitot probes appear to have a greater susceptibility to adverse environmental conditions than certain other pitot probes.
The EASA PAD also states that a new Thales Avionics pitot probe having part number (P/N) C16195BA has been
designed, which improves the airspeed indication behavior in heavy rain conditions on Model A320 airplanes.
This same pitot probe standard has been made available as an optional installation on Model A330 and A340
airplanes, and although this has shown to be an improvement over the previous Thales Avionics pitot probe, P/N C16195AA standard, it has not yet demonstrated the same level of robustness to withstand high-altitude ice crystals as Goodrich pitot probes having P/N 0851HL.
We are issuing this AD to prevent airspeed discrepancies, which could lead to disconnection of the autopilot and/or auto-thrust functions, and reversion to flight control alternate law and consequent increased pilot workload. Depending on the prevailing airplane altitude and weather, this condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced
control of the airplane.

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