AD NUMBER: 2018-09-03

PRODUCT: Certain airbus model A330-202, -223, -243, -301, -322, and -342 airplanes.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-11-08, which applied to the aircraft listed above.

AD 2009-11-08 required repetitive special detailed (high frequency eddy current) inspections to detect cracking of the keel beam fitting horizontal flange edge at a certain frame (FR) on the left- and right-hand sides of the fuselage, and repair if necessary.

This AD was prompted by a new fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation that concluded the current inspection thresholds and intervals had to be modified.

This AD requires contacting the FAA to obtain instructions for addressing the unsafe condition on these products, and doing the actions specified in those instructions.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 15, 2018. Comments must be received by June 14, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. For an affected airplane that is placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the estimated cost of compliance is $765 per aircraft per inspection cycle.

FMI: AD