Airworthiness Directive 2013-17-03
recurringAirworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
What this AD requires
We are 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 final rule was prompted by reports of wing tip brakes (WTBs) losing their braking function in service due to heavy wear on the brake discs. WTBs are designed to stop and hold the mechanical transmission of slats and flaps in certain failure cases. This final rule requires repetitive operational tests of certain WTB pressure-off-brakes (POBs) for performance on the flap and slat systems, and replacement of any affected WTB with a new or serviceable part if the test fails. This final rule also requires eventual replacement of all affected WTBs with a new part, which terminates the repetitive tests. We are issuing this final rule to prevent loss of the WTB braking function, and consequent inability of the flap or slat system to be stopped and held in position during operation, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Which aircraft AD 2013-17-03 applies to
Applies to all manufacturer serial numbers.
Whether AD 2013-17-03 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.