Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 95-24-04, that applies to all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; 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). AD 95-24-04 requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks at the aft spar web of the wings, and repair if necessary. Since we issued AD 95-24-04, we have determined that the inspection threshold and interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of cracks and accomplishment of applicable repairs, because of cracking in the rear spar web of the wings between certain ribs due to fatigue-related high shear stress. This proposed AD would reduce the inspection compliance time and interval, and would expand the applicability to airplanes on which a certain Airbus modification has been embodied in production and to airplanes on which a certain Airbus service bulletin has been embodied in service. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue-related cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing.