AD 2014-16-04 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Models named: A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, A340-311, -312, -313. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs), on which Airbus Modification 44205 has been embodied in production, except those on which Airbus Modification 52974 or Modification 53223 has been embodied in production. (2) Airbus Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes, all MSNs on which Airbus Modification 44205 has been embodied in production, except those on which Airbus Modification 52974, Modification 53223, or Modification 45012 has been embodied in production.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of AD 2008-14-17, Amendment 39-15612 (73 FR 40958, July 17, 2008), with reduced compliance times and revised service information. For Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes, as identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, on which Modification 45012 has been embodied in production: Within the applicable compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, do the HFEC inspection for cracking, and corrective actions as applicable; and modify the upper shell structure of the fuselage; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3152, Revision 3, dated December 22, 2011. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. (1) For airplanes pre-modification 48827 with short range utilization: At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to 24,400 total flight cycles or 85,400 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD without exceeding 25,400 total flight cycles. (2) For airplanes pre-modification 48827 with long range utilization: At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to 18,900 total flight cycles or 122,900 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD without exceeding 25,400 total flight cycles. (3) For airplanes post-modification 48827 with short range utilization: At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (g)(3)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to 16,400 total flight cycles or 57,400 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD without exceeding 17,100 total flight cycles or 94,700 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (4) For airplanes post-modification 48827 with long range utilization: At the later of the times specified in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (g)(4)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to 12,700 total flight cycles or 82,700 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD without exceeding 17,100 total flight cycles or 94,700 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.

This AD was prompted by a determination from a fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation that the compliance time of the high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking, and modification of the upper shell structure of the fuselage needs to be revised. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage of the upper shell structure at the skin and frame interface, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airframe.

This AD replaces AD 2008-14-17, Amendment 39-15612 (73 FR 40958, July 17, 2008).