Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18070 · Nacelles/pylons
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, F4-605R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus Modification 11110 has been embodied in production, or that have been modified in service as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-6031, dated May 30, 1996.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, F4-605R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found in the pylon box, which was due to the stresses resulting from the pressure applied by the thrust reverser cowl bumpers. This AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking; and replacement of all fittings if necessary, which terminates the repetitive HFEC inspections for the modified side only. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks of the pylon rib 5, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(1) Before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight hours since the airplane's first flight, or within 6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking on the lower area of rib 5 on the left-hand and right-hand side pylons, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-6034, Revision 02, dated August 26, 2013. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15,000 flight hours.
(2) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace all the fittings—on the affected pylon only—with new standard fittings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-6031, dated May 30, 1996.
Replacement of all fittings as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD; or modification of pylons in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-6031, dated May 30, 1996; terminates the repetitive HFEC inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for the modified side only.
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.
