Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 108 (Friday, June 6, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24055-24057]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10319]



[[Page 24055]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0207; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00455-T; 
Amendment 39-23054; AD 2025-11-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an 
inspection that found several anodic burns on the main landing gear 
(MLG) bogie beam axles following a high velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) 
stripping process. This AD requires replacement of affected MLG bogie 
beam axles and prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 11, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 11, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0207; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material 
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]. 
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0207.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-
3225; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model 
A350-941 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
February 20, 2025 (90 FR 9955). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0156, 
dated August 13, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0156) (also 
referred to as ``the MCAI''). The MCAI states that during an inspection 
conducted at an A350 MLG bogie beam axle supplier, several anodic burns 
were observed following an HVOF stripping process. Additional MLG bogie 
beam axle inspections using the same HVOF stripping process at the same 
facility revealed similar findings. The analysis revealed a detrimental 
impact on the fatigue life limit of the affected parts. This condition, 
if not corrected, could lead to structural failure of the MLG and 
consequent collapse, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and 
injury to the occupants.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of affected 
MLG bogie beam axles and prohibit the installation of affected parts, 
as specified in EASA AD 2024-0156. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0207.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International, who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA also received comments from ProTech Aero Services Limited, 
who requested the FAA confirm that the proposed AD would allow the use 
of later-approved revisions of the material specified in EASA AD 2024-
0156, as acceptable for compliance with the AD requirements.
    This AD does allow the use of later-approved revisions of the 
material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0156 as acceptable for compliance 
with the required actions. This AD adopts the ``Ref. Publications'' 
section of EASA AD 2024-0156, which includes the current version of the 
referenced material as well as later approved revisions.

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority 
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product. This AD is 
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2024-0156 specifies procedures for replacing the affected 
MLG bogie beam axle (i.e., an MLG wheel axle having part number 55-
3575047-00 and a serial number listed in Appendix 1 of EASA AD 2024-
0156) with a serviceable part. The replacement includes inspecting 
bogie beam bushes to determine the diameter and inspecting for surface 
damage and applicable repairs. EASA AD 2024-0156 also approves the 
replacement of an MLG or MLG bogie beam equipped with an affected part 
with an MLG or MLG bogie beam having a serviceable part installed as an 
alternative method for replacing an affected MLG wheel axle. EASA AD 
2024-0156 also prohibits the installation of affected parts and 
prohibits installation of an MLG having an affected part installed. 
This material is reasonably available because the interested parties 
have access to it through their normal course of business or by the 
means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 36 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 24056]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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            Action                  Labor cost        Parts cost     Cost per product    Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................  Up to 48 work-     Unknown *.......  Up to $4,080 *..  Up to $146,880.*
                                 hours x $85 per
                                 hour = $4,080.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no data on which to estimate the cost for the parts specified in this AD.

On-Condition Costs

    The FAA has not included a cost estimate for the on-condition 
repair of any bogie beam bushes found with damage during the axle 
replacement because the extent of damage found could vary significantly 
from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no way of determining the cost 
to repair any damage or the number of airplanes that may require 
repair.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the parts manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs 
of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2025-11-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23054; Docket No. FAA-2025-0207; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00455-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 11, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an inspection that found several anodic 
burns on the main landing gear (MLG) bogie beam axles following a 
high velocity oxygen-fuel stripping process. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the anodic burns on the MLG bogie beam axles. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure 
of the MLG and consequent collapse, possibly resulting in damage to 
the airplane and injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2024-0156, dated August 13, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0156).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0156

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0156 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0156 defines a serviceable part as ``Any 
MLG bogie beam axle, eligible for installation in accordance with 
Airbus instructions, that is not an affected part'', for this AD 
replace that text with ``Any MLG bogie beam axle, eligible for 
installation, that is not an affected part''.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0156 specifies a 
compliance time for the replacement, for this AD, do the replacement 
within 24,000 flight hours or 5,700 flight cycles, whichever occurs 
first since first installation of the affected part on an airplane, 
or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.
    (4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0156 specifies ``in 
accordance with the instructions of the SB'', this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``in accordance with the replacement 
instructions of the SB''.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0156.

(i) Additional AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, 
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of 
AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and 
email to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, AIR-520, 
Continued

[[Page 24057]]

Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material contains procedures or 
tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be 
done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not 
identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that 
are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods 
in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program 
without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and 
tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back 
in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to 
procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone 206-231-3225; email [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0156, 
dated August 13, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]. You may find this material on 
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on May 29, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10319 Filed 6-5-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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