Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes, that would have required repetitive eddy current inspections to detect cracks on the forward fittings in the radius of frame 40 adjacent to the tension bolts in the center section of the wings, and various follow-on actions. That proposal was prompted by reports of cracking due to fatigue-related stress in the radius of frame 40 adjacent to the tension bolts at the center/outer wing junction. This new action revises the proposed rule by requiring ultrasonic inspections, in lieu of the eddy current inspection proposed previously. This action also reduces the compliance time to perform the initial inspection, increases the repetitive inspection intervals, and adds flight hours as a compliance option. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the forward fittings in the radius of frame 40 adjacent to the tension bolts in the center section of the wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wings.