Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 162 (Monday, August 25, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41288-41290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16212]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0200; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00627-T; 
Amendment 39-23114; AD 2025-17-04]
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 A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-
800, and A330-900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an 
incorrect shot peening application being implemented in production 
starting from 2008. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections 
(DET) of certain splice fittings and, depending on findings, repair. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 29, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
29, 2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0200; 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-2025-0200.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stefanie Roesli, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3964; 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 A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-800, and A330-900 
series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
February 13, 2025 (90 FR 9520). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0200, 
dated October 21, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0200) (also 
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that an

[[Page 41289]]

incorrect shot peening application has been implemented in production 
starting from 2008. Fatigue life of affected parts (certain splice 
fittings) can consequently be lower than the certified value. This 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the airplane.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive DET of certain 
splice fittings and, depending on findings, repair, as specified in 
EASA AD 2024-0200. 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-2025-0200.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from two individual 
commenters. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Allow Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

    Two individual commenters requested that the proposed AD be revised 
to allow NDT techniques, such as ultrasonic or eddy current 
inspections, rather than rely solely on detailed visual inspections. 
The commenters noted that NDT methods are widely used in aviation and 
can detect internal cracks that may not be visible, which reduces the 
risk of undetected structural failures and minimizes aircraft downtime.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenters' requests. EASA, as the state 
of design authority for these airplanes, analyzed the data, considered 
the recommendations of the manufacturer, and determined that detailed 
inspections are adequate to address the unsafe condition. The FAA 
concurs with EASA's determination. The FAA has not changed this AD in 
response to this comment.

Request To Allow a Risk-Based Inspection Schedule

    Two individual commenters suggested that a risk-based inspection 
schedule could optimize resources by allowing airplanes with fewer 
operational hours to undergo inspections at longer intervals. The 
commenters stated that this strategy is used in other airworthiness 
directives and would enhance the proposed rule's effectiveness without 
imposing an excessive burden on operators.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenters' requests. EASA, as the state 
of design authority for these airplanes, performed a risk assessment 
and determined the compliance time was appropriate based on the safety 
implications of the identified unsafe condition, as well as the 
practical aspect of completing the required actions during regular 
maintenance periods. However, the FAA will consider requests for an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) as specified in paragraph 
(i)(1) of this AD if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that 
a risk-based inspection schedule would provide an acceptable level of 
safety. The FAA has not changed this AD in response to this comment.

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

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0200, which specifies procedures for 
repetitive DET of affected parts (splice fittings at the front 
windshield side post, on left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, 
having part number (P/N) F531-23024-200 and P/N F531-23024-201, 
respectively) for cracking, and depending on findings, repairing 
cracking. 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 58 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425...........................              $0             $425          $24,650
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the 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

[[Page 41290]]

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:

2025-17-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23114; Docket No. FAA-2025-0200; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00627-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 29, 
2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Airplanes identified in paragraph 
(c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any category, as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-
0200, dated October 21, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0200).
    (1) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (2) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (3) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (4) Model A330-841 airplanes.
    (5) Model A330-941 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an incorrect shot peening application 
being implemented in production starting in 2008. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address this condition, which if not detected and 
corrected, 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0200.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0200

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0200 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0200 specifies ``if any 
crack is found on an affected part, before next flight, contact 
Airbus for repair instructions and, within the compliance time 
specified in those instructions, accomplish those instructions 
accordingly'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``if any 
cracking is detected, 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 
2024-0200.

 (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, 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 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 Stefanie Roesli, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 206-231-3964; 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 2024-0200, 
dated October 21, 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 August 19, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-16212 Filed 8-22-25; 8:45 am]
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