Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16196 · Wings
Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2016-23-01. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category.
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) Do a detailed visual inspection around fastener holes in the wing top skin panels 1 and 2, along rib 2 between the right side and left side of the front and rear spars, at the applicable compliance time in Table 1 of this AD; as applicable to the airplane model and Short Range (SR) use, average flight time (AFT) equal to or less than 4 hours; or Long Range (LR) use, AFT exceeding 4 hours; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, dated May 6, 2008.
Note 1: To establish the AFT, take the accumulated flight time (counted from the take-off up to the landing) and divide by the number of accumulated flight cycles. This gives the average flight time per flight cycle.
| Model | Compliance time (whichever occurs later) |
|---|---|
| (i) A310-203, A310-204, A310-221, and A310-222 airplanes | (A) Prior to the accumulation of 18,700 flight cycles or 37,400 flight hours since first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first; or |
| (B) Within 430 flight cycles or 860 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. | |
| (ii) ‘SR’ A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 short range airplanes | (A) Prior to the accumulation of 17,300 flight cycles or 48,400 flight hours since first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first; or |
| (B) Within 400 flight cycles or 1,100 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. | |
| (iii) ‘LR’ A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 long range airplanes | (A) Prior to accumulation of 12,800 flight cycles or 64,300 flight hours since first flight of the airplane, whichever occurs first; or |
| (B) Within 300 flight cycles or 1,450 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. |
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, if any repair has already been done as a result of finding skin cracks at rib 2 in the area to be inspected, the inspection requirements of this AD are not required for the repaired area. Instead, for previously repaired areas, continue the inspection in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. The rest of the rib 2 area not covered by the repair must be inspected in accordance with the requirements of this AD.
(3) If no crack is found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD thereafter at the intervals not to exceed those specified in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable.
| Model | Repetitive inspection interval |
|---|---|
| A310-203, A310-204, A310-221, and A310-222 airplanes | Within 1,700 flight cycles or 3,500 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| ‘SR’ A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 short range airplanes | Within 1,600 flight cycles or 4,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
| ‘LR’ A310-304, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325 long range airplanes | Within 1,200 flight cycles or 6,100 flight hours, whichever occurs first. |
(4) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(3) of this AD, before further flight, repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, dated May 6, 2008. For previously repaired areas, continue the inspection in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(5) After each inspection required by this AD, submit an inspection report in accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-57-2096, dated May 6, 2008; at the times specified in paragraphs (f)(5)(i) or (f)(5)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) If the inspection is 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 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
