Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, that would have required repetitive Tap Test inspections to detect debonding of the elevator skins, and corrective actions, if necessary. That proposal was prompted by a report that a debonded area of the upper skin of an elevator had been discovered during a visual inspection. This action revises the proposed rule by replacing the Tap Test inspections with inspections using a thermographic technique. This action also provides for replacement of the elevators with new or modified elevators, which, if accomplished, terminates the requirements of the AD. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent the presence of water in the elevator, which could cause debonding of the elevator skins and, consequently, could adversely affect the structural integrity of the elevator.