Action
Final rule.
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-22- 18, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes. AD 2012-22-18 required repetitive inspections of the three inner acoustic panels of both engine air inlet (intake) cowls to detect disbonding, and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD continues to require all actions required by AD 2012-22-18, with a reduced initial compliance time and reduced repetitive inspection intervals. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by additional reports of engine air inlet cowl collapse. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.