Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series Airplanes Equipped with SOGERMA-SOCEA Pilot, Co-Pilot, and Third Occupant Seats

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This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, that would have required repetitive inspections to detect distortion and/or cracks on the attachment brackets of the backrest recline control locks of certain seats. That proposed AD would have also required replacement of cracked or distorted brackets and their associated attachment fittings with new parts, which would have terminated the repetitive inspection requirements. That proposal was prompted by a report of failure of the bracket of the backrest recline control lock on a seat due to fatigue-related cracking. This action revises the proposed rule by requiring repetitive inspections following replacement of cracked or distorted brackets and by providing a new optional terminating modification for the repetitive inspections. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue- related cracking and/or distortion, which could result in failure of the seat backrest attach fitting, and the subsequent uncommanded 50 deg. angle recline of the pilot or co-pilot seat; this situation could lead to the temporary inability o