Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-12-03 for certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes. AD 94-12-03 required modification of the belly fairing structure. This new AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the four titanium angles between the belly fairing and the keel beam side panel, an inspection for cracking of the open holes if any cracking is found in the titanium angles, and repair or replacement if necessary; this new AD also expands the applicability of AD 94-12-03. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at the lower riveting of the four titanium angles that connect the belly fairing to the keel beam side panels on both sides of the fuselage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the titanium angles that connect the belly fairing to the keel beam side panels on both sides of the fuselage, which could affect the structural integrity of the airplane.