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

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the airplane structure; replacement of the bracket with a new, improved bracket; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports of cracking of a certain bracket that attaches the flight deck instrument panel to the airplane structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a cracked bracket. Failure of this bracket, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could result in collapse of the left part of the flight deck instrument panel, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.