Action
Final rule.
Summary
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-12-12 and AD 2013-16-26, which applied to all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. AD 2012- 12-12 required repetitive inspections of the outer skin rivets of the cargo doors, repair if necessary, and other repetitive inspections. AD 2013-16-26 required repetitive inspections of certain cargo doors, and repair if necessary. This new AD continues to require repetitive inspections, and repair if necessary. This new AD revises the applicability; adds a one-time inspection and adjustment of certain hook gaps; reinforcement of the door frame structure; related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and a modification, which allows deferring reinforcement of the cargo door structure. This AD was prompted by a determination that a new inspection procedure is necessary to address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.