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

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330 airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking in the aft web of support rib 6 between certain bottom skin stringers on both wings; high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the attachment holes of the fuel pipes, and repair if necessary. This AD also provides for an optional modification, which extends a certain inspection threshold, and mandates, for certain airplanes, a new modification of support rib 6 on both wings, which ends the repetitive inspection requirement. This AD results from a report of significant cracking found in the aft web of support rib 6 on both wings. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking in the aft web of support rib 6, which could result in overloading of adjacent ribs and the surrounding wing structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wing.