Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
DGAC [Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile] France AD 86-102-74(B) [which corresponds to FAA AD 88-06-03, amendment 39-5871] was issued to prevent development of damage, which was discovered during [a] fatigue test in the attachment angles of the rear pressure bulkhead (fuselage frame 80/82). Following the life extension activities linked to the A310 program, the interval of inspection for A310-200 aircraft series was reduced from 12000 flight cycles (FC) to 9000 FC * * *. Some stress analysis conducted in the frame of the life extension activities of the A300-600 program leads the manufacturer toreduce as well the interval of inspection applicable to A300B4- 620 and A300C4-620 aircraft models.
The unsafe condition is cracking in the attachment angles of the rear pressure bulkhead, which could result in failure of the rear pressure bulkhead. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.