Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11682 · Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes
Model A300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus Modification 04201 has been accomplished.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect corrosion on the outer surface of the fuselage skin panel; application of corrosion preventive protection; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion of the fuselage skin panel, which could result in cracking and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
To detect and correct corrosion of the fuselage skin panel, which could result in cracking and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the outer surface of the fuselage skin panel between fuselage frames FR39 and FR40, and between stringers 27 and 33, for corrosion; in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0328, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, both dated March 15, 2000. Perform the inspection at the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD. If any corrosion is found, prior to further flight, repair (i.e., rework corroded areas, or repair or replace panels, as applicable) in accordance with the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD. Temporary repairs must be replaced with permanent repairs prior to accumulation of the life limits specified in the service bulletin.
(1) For airplanes for which the date of manufacture was less than 15 years before the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes for which the date of manufacture was at least 15 but less than 20 years before the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For airplanes for which the date of manufacture was 20 or more years before the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(b) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0328, Revision 01, dated March 15, 2000, specifies that Airbus may be contacted for a repair, prior to further flight, replace the skin panel with a new or serviceable skin panel in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions required by this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0328, dated March 5, 1999, prior to the effective date of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
