AD FAA-2015-1426

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-20-07 for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). AD 97-20-07 required repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking in the left and right wings in the area where the top skin attaches to the center spar, and repair or modification of this area if necessary. This new AD reduces the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection intervals. This AD was prompted by a determination that the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of fatigue cracking in the left and right wings in the area where the top skin attaches to the center spar. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this fatigue cracking, which could reduce the residual strength of the top skin of the wings, and consequently affect the structural integrity of the airframe.