Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19692 · Stabilizers
Airbus SAS Airplanes
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, as identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0006, dated January 17, 2019 (“EASA AD 2019-0006”).
(1) Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes, Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes, Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(2) Airbus SAS Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that a certain aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) task provided instructions for a visual inspection of composite and metallic vertical tailplane (VTP) attachment fittings, but the inspection method did not specify detection of delamination length, which could possibly extend beyond the defined allowable limits. This AD requires a review of airplane maintenance records, and, depending on the results, one-time detailed and ultrasonic inspections of the affected parts and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2019-0006.
For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD, the following exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0006 apply.
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-006 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Replace the language in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0006 that states “it is determined that the maintenance records are incomplete,” with “maintenance records cannot be used to positively determine that the applicable maintenance actions have been accomplished.”
(3) Replace the language in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0006 that states “concurrently,” with “before further flight.”
(4) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2019-0006 does not apply to this AD.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0006 refers to “discrepancies” found in the inspection, this AD defines discrepancies as any damage or delamination found outside of specified allowable damage limits.
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.
