Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19258 · Fuselage
Airbus Airplanes
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model A330-301, A330-321, A330-322, A330-341 and A330-342 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 42605 has been embodied in production.
(2) Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and A340-313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 42605 has been embodied in production.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-23-16, which applied to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. AD 99-23-16 required repetitive detailed visual inspections to detect cracking of the vertical flange of the inboard Z-stiffeners of the centerline panel of the fuselage belly fairing; and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD was prompted by a new fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation that concluded that the current inspection thresholds and intervals had to be more restrictive. This AD requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on these products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, request instructions from the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, to address the unsafe condition specified in paragraph (e) of this AD; and accomplish the actions at the times specified in, and in accordance with, those instructions. Guidance can be found in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013-0241, dated October 1, 2013.
