Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 series airplanes, and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that certain overheat detection system (OHDS) sensing elements, produced before January 31, 2021, may not properly detect thermal bleed leak events due to a quality escape during the manufacturing process. This AD requires a one-time special detailed inspection (SDI) for discrepancies of each affected part installed at an affected position, and replacement of discrepant parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.