Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series Airplanes; and Model A310 Series Airplanes

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2001-23-51 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect repairs and alterations to, and damage of the vertical stabilizer attachment fittings, including the main attachment lugs and the transverse (side) load fittings; and the rudder hinge fittings, hinge arms, and support fittings for all rudder hinges, and rudder actuator support fittings; and repair, if necessary. This AD also requires that operators report results of inspection findings to the FAA. This action is prompted by an airplane accident shortly after takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the vertical stabilizer-to-fuselage attachment fittings or transverse (side) load fittings, or rudder-to-vertical stabilizer attachment fittings, which could result in loss of the vertical stabilizer and/or rudder and consequent loss of control of the airplane.