AD NUMBER: 2018-18-16

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model A340-212, -213, -312, and -313 airplanes.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-12-08, which applied to the aircraft listed above. AD 2018-12-08 required repetitive inspections of certain fastener holes, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary.

This new AD corrects certain compliance time references.

This AD was prompted by a report of cracking at fastener holes located at a certain frame (FR) on the lower shell panel junction.

DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2018. Comments must be received by October 25, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 99 airplanes of U.S. registry.  The cost of compliance is estimated as follows:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions

• Labor - 42 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,570. Parts - $0. Cost per airplane - $3,570.

Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions

• Labor - 46 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,910. Parts - $2,358. Cost per airplane - $6,268

FMI: AD