Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time template inspection of the rear pressure bulkhead to detect dents; repetitive eddy current inspections of dents greater than a certain depth to detect cracking; and repair, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by a report indicating that cracking has been found in the vicinity of a dent in the rear pressure bulkhead of one airplane. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking resulting from a dent in the rear pressure bulkhead, which if uncorrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the bulkhead, and consequently lead to rapid depressurization of the airplane.