Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18753 · Fuselage
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R variant F airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R variant F airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the frame base fittings connecting the frame lower positions to the center wing box. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the lower frame fittings of the frame foot, and replacement with a new frame foot if cracking is found. This AD also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6177, dated May 20, 2015, except as required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the lower frame fittings between frame (FR) 41 and FR46 of the frame foot, and if any crack is found, before further flight, replace with a new frame foot, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6177, dated May 20, 2015, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6177, dated May 20, 2015.
(1) Where the threshold identified in the “Threshold” column of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6177, dated May 20, 2015, specifies flight cycles or flight hours without specifying from a repair, replacement, or last inspection, the specified compliance time is accumulated flight cycles or flight hours on the airplane since its first flight.
(2) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6177, dated May 20, 2015, specifies a compliance time “from issuance of revision 04 of Service Bulletin No. A300-53-6111,” or “from issuance of Service Bulletin No. A300-53-6177,” this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For Configuration 004 airplanes identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6177, dated May 20, 2015: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA), for corrective actions and accomplish all applicable corrective actions using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of each inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Send the report to Airbus Service Bulletin Reporting Online Application on Airbus World (https://w3.airbus.com).
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days after the effective date of this AD.
Replacement of all lower frame feet between FR41 and FR46, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6176, dated May 20, 2015, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) 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.
