Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 137 (Monday, July 21, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34174-34176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-13593]



[[Page 34174]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0628; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00728-T; 
Amendment 39-23084; AD 2025-14-06]
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 
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of deep spot faces on rib 9 at the lower flange 
bolting with the lower spar. This AD requires a special detailed 
inspection for discrepancies of certain pylon bolts, and applicable 
corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 25, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0628; 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 Airbus material identified in this AD, contact Airbus 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 
80; email airbus.com">continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; website airbus.com.
    <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-2025-0628.

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 certain Airbus SAS 
Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on April 29, 2025 (90 FR 17749). The NPRM was prompted 
by AD 2024-0234, dated December 6, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0234) (also 
referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states deep spot 
faces have been detected on the production line on rib 9 at the lower 
flange bolting with the lower spar. This condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could lead to reduced fatigue life, which could adversely 
affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a special detailed 
inspection for discrepancies of certain pylon bolts, and applicable 
corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0234. 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-2025-0628.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

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 these products. Except for 
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. 
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies procedures for a special detailed 
inspection for discrepancies of the 2 pylon bolts at rib 9, left-hand 
and right-hand sides, and applicable corrective actions (repair). 
Discrepancies include washers that are not correctly aligned with the 
nut, cracks, scratches, corrosion, damage, and missing hardware. In 
addition, discrepancies include a no-go condition found after measuring 
the spot face depth with a ``GO-NoGO GAUGE.'' The compliance times for 
the applicable corrective actions range from before next flight to 
3,000 flight cycles from completion of inspection.
    The FAA reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A350-54-P011, dated July 
4, 2024. This material identifies affected airplanes specified in EASA 
AD 2024-0234.
    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 this AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680...........................              $0               $0          $11,560
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 34175]]

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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:

2025-14-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23084; Docket No. FAA-2025-0628; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00728-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 25, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 
airplanes, certificated in any category, having manufacturer serial 
numbers listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A350-54-P011, dated July 
4, 2024.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of deep spot faces that were 
detected on the production line on rib 9 at lower flange bolting 
with the lower spar. The FAA is issuing this AD to address deep spot 
faces on rib 9, which if not addressed, could result in reduced 
fatigue life and could adversely affect the structural integrity of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2024-0234, dated December 6, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0234).

(h) Exception to EASA AD 2024-0234

    (1) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies 
``accomplish the corrective actions,'' this AD requires replacing 
that text with ``accomplish the corrective actions, including any 
inspection instructions.''
    (2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies ``Where 
the SB instructs to contact Airbus for approved repair instructions, 
this AD requires to contact Airbus for corrective action(s) 
instructions, and within the compliance time specified therein, to 
accomplish those instructions accordingly,'' this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``Where the SB instructs to contact Airbus 
for instructions or inspections, this AD requires contacting Airbus 
for instructions and inspections, as applicable, and within the 
compliance time specified therein, accomplishing those instructions 
accordingly; except if any cracking is found, the cracking must be 
repaired before further flight using a method approved by the 
Manager, AIR-520, Continued 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) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0234.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

(j) 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 
the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (k) 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 Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's 
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by 
paragraph (j)(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.

(k) 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].

(l) 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) Airbus Service Bulletin A350-54-P011, dated July 4, 2024.

[[Page 34176]]

    (ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0234, 
dated December 6, 2024.
    (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) For Airbus material identified in this AD, contact Airbus 
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 
31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 45 80; email airbus.com">continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; website 
airbus.com.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 July 9, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-13593 Filed 7-18-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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