AD NUMBER: 2018-06-04

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 series airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-03-07, which applied to the aircraft listed above AD 2004-03-07 required repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking around the fasteners attaching the pressure panel to the flexible bracket at a certain frame (FR), adjacent to the longitudinal beams on the left and right sides of the airplane; and repair as necessary.

This new AD retains certain requirements of AD 2004-03-07, expands the applicability, and requires an inspection of the fastener holes on the pressure panel and modification or repair as applicable.

This AD was prompted by fatigue tests which revealed cracking around the fasteners attaching the pressure panel to the flexible bracket, and by the discovery of additional cracks under the longitudinal beams at locations that are not included in the inspection area required by AD 2004-03-07.

DATES: This AD is effective May 3, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 737 airplanes of U.S. registry. The cost of compliance is estimated as follows:

• Inspection [Retained from AD 2004-03-07]: Up to 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 per inspection cycle.
• Inspection [new proposed requirement]: 13 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,105.
• Modification (if necessary): Up to 213 work-hours × $85 per hour = $18,105 Parts are estimated to cost up to $8,510, for a total cost per airplane at up to $26,615.

FMI: AD