Summary
We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-06- 12, that applies to certain Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 airplanes. AD 2007-06-12 requires, for certain airplanes, reinforcement of the structure of the center fuselage by installing external stiffeners (butt straps) at frame (FR) 53.3 on the fuselage skin between left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) stringer (STR) 13, and related investigative and corrective actions. Since we issued AD 2007- 06-12, we have determined that the compliance times must be reduced in order to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would reduce the compliance times for reinforcing the structure of the center fuselage at FR 53.3. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.