Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating that certain hinge sleeves on the cowl doors of the thrust reverser units (TRUs) were not heat treated. This proposed AD would require replacing the sleeves of certain hinges on the cowl doors of the TRUs with new parts. We are proposing this AD to prevent, in the event of a fan- blade-off event due to high vibration, in-flight loss of TRU heavy components, which might damage airplane structure or control surfaces, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.