Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15918 · Fuselage
Airbus Model A330-202, -223, -243, -301, -322, and -342 Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2018-09-03. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-202, -223, -243, -301, -322 and -342 airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers 0177, 0181, 0183, 0184, 0188, 0189, 0191, 0195, 0198, 0200, 0203, 0205, 0206, 0209, 0211, 0219, 0222, 0223, 0224, 0226, 0229, 0230, 0231, 0232, 0234, 0238, 0240, 0241, 0244, 0247, 0248, 0249, 0250, 0251, 0253, 0254, and 0255.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, or at the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a special detailed (high frequency eddy current) inspection to detect cracking of the keel beam fitting horizontal flange edge at FR40 on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the fuselage, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3151, Revision 01, dated September 25, 2008.
(i) For Model A330-301, -322, and -342 airplanes: Before accumulating 14,500 total flight cycles or 37,000 total flight hours from the first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first.
(ii) For Model A330-202, -223, and -243 airplanes: Before accumulating 14,100 total flight cycles or 70,600 total flight hours from the first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first.
(2) If no crack is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed the times specified in paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) For Model A330-301, -322, and -342 airplanes: 6,230 flight cycles or 15,900 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(ii) For Model A330-202, -223, and -243 airplanes: 6,060 flight cycles or 30,300 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(3) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, contact Airbus and follow their corrective actions.
(4) Airplanes that have already been inspected prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3151, dated December 6, 2005, are compliant with the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD (initial inspection). However, after the effective date of this AD, the repetitive inspections must be continued in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3151, Revision 01, dated September 25, 2008, as specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(5) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(5)(i) or (f)(5)(ii) of this AD, submit a report of the results (both positive and negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330-53-3151, Revision 01, dated September 25, 2008. Send the report to Airbus SAS—Customer Services Directorate, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; Attention SEDCC1 Technical Data and Documentation Services, fax +33 5 61 93 28 06, e-mail sb.reporting@airbus.com.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
