AD 2020-23-11 Requires Repetitive Inspections For Discrepancies Of Certain Areas In And Around The Fuselage

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes; and Airbus SAS Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Airbus SAS Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes).

This AD was prompted by reports of cracking at a certain hole location on the lefthand (LH) side of a certain frame (FR). This AD requires repetitive inspections for discrepancies of certain areas in and around the fuselage, as specified in two European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) ADs, which are incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 4, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0110R1, dated May 27, 2020; and EASA AD 2020-0111R2, dated June 16, 2020 (“EASA AD 2020-0110R1” and “EASA AD 2020-0111R2”) (also referred to as “the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information,” or “the MCAI”); to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes and Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes and Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2020 (85 FR 54286). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking at hole location #10 on the LH side of FR4. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for discrepancies of certain areas in and around the fuselage, as specified in two EASA ADs.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov