AD 2020-22-09 Requires A Roto-Test Inspection Of Fastener Holes Of Certain Fuselage Joints

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-16-13, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330 series airplanes.

AD 2001-16-13 required a roto-test inspection of fastener holes of certain fuselage joints for cracks, reinforcement of the fuselage between certain frames, and, if necessary, a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection and repair. As published, the applicability of AD 2001-16-13 inadvertently identified the model designations as serial numbers. This document corrects that error. This new AD requires a roto-test inspection of fastener holes of certain fuselage joints for cracks, reinforcement of the fuselage, and, if necessary, an HFEC inspection and repair. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 25, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued AD 2001-16-13, Amendment 39-12382 (66 FR 44295, August 23, 2001) (¡§AD 2001-16-13¡¨), which applied to certain Model A330 series airplanes. AD 2001-16-13 was prompted by a report that during fatigue testing on the fuselage, cracks were detected in the longitudinal buttstrap at stringer 9, at frame 31, and at frame 37.1. AD 2001-16-13 required a roto-test inspection of fastener holes of certain fuselage joints for cracks, reinforcement of the fuselage between frames 31 and 37.1, and, if necessary, an HFEC inspection and repair. The FAA issued AD 2001-16-13 to address fatigue cracking of the fuselage longitudinal buttstrap, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.

FMI: www.regulations.gov