Transport i infrastruktura · 04/10/2012

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracks in the keel beam side panels, and repair if necessary. Since we issued that AD, we have received reports of access difficulties. Additionally, we have determined that the detailed inspection is not sufficient to mitigate the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require repetitive eddy current inspections for cracking in the keel beam side panels, and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks on the side panels of the keel beams, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.