FAA Updates Airworthiness Directive for Certain Airbus A340-200 and 300 Jets, Fuel Vapor Danger

FAA

We (FAA) are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-24-09 which applied to certain Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes.

AD 2011-24-09 requires inspections to verify electrical bonding for the water drain system and ventilation intake system, and modification if necessary. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations, and adds additional airplanes to the applicability.

This AD was prompted by a determination that existing maintenance requirements are not adequate to address the unsafe condition.

We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

This AD becomes effective January 14, 2014.