2016-01736: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Summary

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-23- 20 for certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes and Model A300 B4- 601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, A300 B4-622, A300 B4-605R, A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes. AD 2004-23-20 currently requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking around certain attachment holes, installation of new fasteners for certain airplanes, and follow-on corrective actions if necessary. AD 2004-23-20 also requires modifying certain fuselage frames, which terminates certain repetitive inspections. Since we issued AD 2004-23- 20, we received a report indicating that the material used to manufacture the upper frame feet was changed and negatively affected the fatigue life of the frame feet. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance times for the initial inspection and the inspection intervals. This proposed AD would also expand the applicability and require an additional repair on certain airplanes that have been modified. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking of the center section of the fuselage, which could result in a ruptured frame foot and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 14 CFR 39 Airworthiness Directives