AD NUMBER: 2017-17-08

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A330- 200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by a quality control review on the final assembly line, which determined that the wrong aluminum alloy was used to manufacture several structural parts.

This AD requires a one-time eddy current conductivity measurement of certain cabin and cargo compartment structural parts to determine if an incorrect aluminum alloy was used, and replacement of any affected part with a serviceable part.

DATES: This AD is effective October 2, 2017.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 37 airplanes of U.S. registry. It also estimate that it takes about 17 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, they estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $53,465, or $1,445 per product.

In addition, the FAA estimates that any on-condition repairs take about 45 work-hours and will require parts costing $0, for a cost of $3,825 per product. There is no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs. According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals.

FMI: AD