Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14677 · Airbus Model A300 F4-600R Series Airplanes and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes
Airbus Model A300 F4-600R Series Airplanes and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, certificated in any category; on which Airbus Modification 08909 has been done in production; except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12980 has been done in production.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes and Model A300 C4- 605R Variant F airplanes. This AD requires modifying certain structure in the fuselage zone at the lavatory venturi installation in the nose section, and performing a related investigative action and corrective action if necessary. This AD results from an analysis that revealed that airplanes equipped with Airbus Modification 08909 had a concentration of loads higher than expected in the fuselage zone (high stress) at the lavatory venturi installation in the nose section, which could be the origin of cracks that developed in the fuselage skin and propagated from the edge of the air vent hole. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in loss of the structural integrity of the fuselage and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Before the accumulation of 16,900 total flight cycles since first flight of the airplane: Modify the fuselage zone at the lavatory venturi installation area between frame (FR) 12 and FR 12A on the left-hand side of the nose section and do the related investigative action by accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6151, Revision 01, dated April 21, 2006.
If any crack is found during the inspection required by this AD and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6151, Revision 01, dated April 21, 2006, specifies to contact Airbus for crack repair: Before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent).
Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6151, dated December 2, 2005, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) 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.
