Ensuring the continued structural airworthiness of the Airbus A300 commercial transport aircraft

After consideration of the original certification basis of the Airbus A300 commercial transport aircraft, this paper considers typical industry proced ures for the justification of the original design service goal, during whic h the principal structure of the aircraft is reasonably free from significa nt fatigue cracking. The justification of aircraft life extension, or conti nued operation beyond design service goal, is then described, including the assessment of fatigue and corrosion damage accumulated during the service life of the aircraft, and the analysis of areas of the structure potentiall y susceptible to widespread fatigue damage. In addition, the paper discusse s the use of preventative maintenance actions to ensure the continued safet y of the aircraft during extended service.