AD NUMBER: 2011-17-08

MANUFACTURER: Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-17-08
ACTION: Final rule

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

The airworthiness limitations applicable to Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT ALI) are currently given in Airbus A330 ALI Document reference AI/SE-M4/95A.0089/97, which is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and referenced in Airbus Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2.
The issue 17 of Airbus A330 ALI Document introduces more restrictive maintenance requirements/airworthiness limitations. Failure to comply with this issue constitutes an unsafe condition. This [EASA] AD supersedes EASA AD 2009-0102 [and retains the requirements therein], and requires the implementation of the new or more restrictive maintenance requirements/airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus A330 ALI Document issue 17.

The unsafe condition is fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in certain structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes September 30, 2011

FMI:  http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/939A7257CF8311C0862578F8004E203B?OpenDocument