Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking at the splice plate of a frame butt joint crossing area found during full- scale fatigue testing. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking of both sides of the splice plate of that frame butt joint crossing area, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD would also provide for an optional modification, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the splice plate of the frame 47 butt joint crossing area, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.