Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes, that currently requires either a one-time ultrasonic inspection, or repetitive visual inspections and eventual ultrasonic inspection, to detect cracking of the longitudinal skin splice above the mid-passenger door panels, and corrective actions if necessary. This action would require repetitive ultrasonic inspections to detect cracking of certain skin lap joints in additional areas of the fuselage and repair if necessary. This action also would expand the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct cracking of certain skin lap joints, which could result in reduced structural integrity and decompression of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.