Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

Samenvatting

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes, that would have required initial and repetitive inspections of certain frame stiffeners to detect cracking. If any cracking was found, that proposal would have required replacement of the stiffener with a new, reinforced stiffener. Replacement of the stiffener would constitute terminating action for certain inspections. That proposal would also have required a one-time inspection of any new, reinforced stiffener; and repair or replacement of the new, reinforced stiffener if any cracking was found during the one-time inspection. That proposal also provided for an optional terminating action for certain requirements of that AD. This new action revises the proposed rule by reducing the compliance time for the initial inspection of the affected frame stiffeners. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of certain frame stiffener fittings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.