AD NUMBER: 2011-01-02

MANUFACTURER: Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, - 223, and -243 Airplanes; Airbus Model A330-300 Series Airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-01-02 

SUMMARY: This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

[T]he FAA published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88).

By mail referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296 of March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024 of February 3rd, 2003 the JAA [Joint Aviation Authorities] recommended to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) the application of a similar regulation.

The aim of this regulation is to require a definition review against explosion hazards.

Failure of the auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed leak detection system could result in overheat of the fuel tank located in the horizontal stabilizer and ignition of the fuel vapors in that tank, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

FMI: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/0F6AD55838A5D8638625780F00549170?OpenDocument