Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Airbus Model A330-300, A340-200, and 340-300 series airplanes. The existing AD requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the fuselage skin in the area of the VHF2 antenna, and repair if necessary. The existing AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This new AD requires accomplishment of the previously optional terminating action, and revises the applicability by removing certain airplanes. This AD is prompted by the need to change the applicability of the existing AD and to mandate the formerly optional terminating action. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the fuselage skin in the area of the VHF2 antenna, which could result in depressurization of the airplane.