AD NUMBER: 2017-17-05

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes).

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by reports of cracks initiating at the upper radius of a certain frame and a determination that the current inspection procedure is not reliable in detecting certain cracking of the forward fitting of the frame.

This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the upper radius of the forward fitting of a certain frame, and related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary.

DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2017.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 132 airplanes of U.S. registry. The cost for inspection per product is estimated to be $1,615 per aircraft per inspection cycle. The cost for reporting is estimated to be $85 per product per inspection cycle, and the cost to do any necessary related investigative and corrective actions that would be required based on the results of the inspection is estimated to be 21 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,785 per airplane. Parts would cost $1,835, making the total cost estimate $3,620 per airplane.

FMI: AD