Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14300 · Airbus Model A330-300 Series Airplanes
Airbus Model A330-300 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2007-06-12. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Model A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 series airplanes, certificated in any category, except those on which Airbus Modification 41652 has been accomplished in production.
The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes. This AD requires reinforcing the structure of the center fuselage by installing external stiffeners (butt straps) at frame (FR) 53.3 on the fuselage skin between left-hand and right-hand stringer 13, and related investigative actions. This AD results from a report that, during fatigue tests of the fuselage, cracks initiated and grew at the circumferential joint of FR53.3. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the later of the times in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD: Install the butt straps at FR53.3 on the fuselage skin between left- and right-hand stringer 13, and do all related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD, do all actions in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3127, Revision 01, dated November 21, 2003.
(1) Before the accumulation of 14,700 total flight cycles or 51,400 total flight hours, whichever occurs earlier.
(2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
If any crack is detected during the related investigative actions (rototest) required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, repair the crack according to a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the DGAC (or its delegated agent).
