Airworthiness Directive 2012-21-20
one-timeAirworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
What this AD requires
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 and - 300 series airplanes, and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the ram air turbine (RAT) not deploying when tested. This AD requires identification of the supplier, part number, and serial number of the installed RAT actuator, and re-identification of the actuator and RAT, or replacement of the RAT actuator with a serviceable unit and re-identification of the RAT, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-deployment of the RAT, which if occurred following a total engine flame-out, or during a total loss of normal electrical power generation, could result in reduced control of the airplane.
Which aircraft AD 2012-21-20 applies to
Applies to all manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) except: A330 models on which Airbus modification 201043 has been embodied in production; A340 models on which modification 201043 or 201042 has been embodied in production.
Whether AD 2012-21-20 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.
How AD compliance is recorded
A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:
Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.
Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.