AD NUMBER: 2018-03-06

PRODUCT: All Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -301, -302, and -303 airplanes.  

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-02-18, which applied to the aircraft listed above.

AD 2015-02-18 required a one-time ultrasonic inspection for fractures of all aft mount-pylon bolts of each engine.

This new AD was prompted by the failure of a bolt on the aft engine mount upper beam, which was found to be caused by inappropriate in-production upper beam installation.

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 February 22, 2018. Comments must be received by March 26, 2018.

COST: There are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates that for an affected airplane that is placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the cost of compliance would be $680 per aircraft per inspection
cycle. Repairs are estimated at up to $28,645 per aircraft for parts and labor.

FMI: AD