Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the airplane structure; replacement of the bracket with a new, improved bracket; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would add a requirement for replacement of the existing bracket with a titanium- reinforced bracket, which would end the repetitive inspections in the existing AD. This proposed AD would also require related investigative and corrective actions while accomplishing the replacement, and would reduce the applicability in the existing AD. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking damage found on certain brackets that were replaced per the requirements in the existing AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent a cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could result in collapse of the left part of the flight deck instrument panel, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.