2018-09-02: Fuselage

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 99-23-16, Amendment 39-11412 (64 FR 61485, November 12, 1999), and adding the following AD: 2018-09-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-19258; Docket No. FAA-2018-0302; Product Identifier 2013-NM-228-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective May 15, 2018. [[Page 18732]] (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 99-23-16, Amendment 39-11412 (64 FR 61485, November 12, 1999) (``AD 99-23-16''). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. (1) Model A330-301, A330-321, A330-322, A330-341 and A330-342 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 42605 has been embodied in production. (2) Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and A340-313 airplanes, all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus modification 42605 has been embodied in production. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a new fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation that concluded that the current inspection thresholds and intervals had to be more restrictive. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the vertical flange of the inboard Z-stiffeners of the centerline panel of the fuselage belly fairing, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the belly fairing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, request instructions from the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, to address the unsafe condition specified in paragraph (e) of this AD; and accomplish the actions at the times specified in, and in accordance with, those instructions. Guidance can be found in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013-0241, dated October 1, 2013. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(2) ofthis AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (i) Related Information (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2013-0241, dated October 1, 2013, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0302. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax: 206-231-3229. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None.