Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 27, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41769-41771]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16402]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0925; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00671-T; 
Amendment 39-23116; AD 2025-17-06]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-18-
01, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series 
airplanes, A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, A330-300 series 
airplanes, Model A330-800 series airplanes, and A330-900 series 
airplanes. AD 2022-18-01 required revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-18-
01, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 1, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 1, 
2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
October 11, 2022 (87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0925; 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-2025-0925.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emma Copeland, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 847-
294-8068; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-18-01, Amendment 39-22152 (87 FR 
54355, September 6, 2022) (AD 2022-18-01). AD 2022-18-01 applied to 
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes, A330-200 Freighter 
series airplanes, A330-300 series airplanes, A330-800 series airplanes, 
and A330-900 series airplanes. AD 2022-18-01 required revising the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA 
issued AD 2022-18-01 to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or 
corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible failure of 
certain life-limited parts, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2025 (90 
FR 25163). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0213, dated November 14, 
2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0213) (also referred to as 
the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations have been developed.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 
2024-0213. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, 
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and 
possible failure of certain life-limited parts. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0925.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), and an anonymous commenter who supported the NPRM 
without change.

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.

[[Page 41770]]

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0213. This material specifies new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and 
safe life limits.
    This AD also requires EASA AD 2021-0246, dated November 17, 2021, 
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation 
by reference as of October 11, 2022 (87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022).
    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 138 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained 
actions from AD 2022-18-01 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new 
actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-18-01, Amendment 39-22152 
(87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2025-17-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23116; Docket No. FAA-2025-0925; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00671-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 1, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-18-01, Amendment 39-22152 (87 FR 54355, 
September 6, 2022) (AD 2022-18-01).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model airplanes, identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before October 1, 
2024.
    (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 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or 
corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible failure of 
certain life-limited parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection 
Program, With a New Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 
2022-18-01, with a new terminating action. For airplanes with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before July 1, 2021: 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 2021-0246, dated November 17, 
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0246). Accomplishing the revision of the existing 
maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (j) of this 
AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0246, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(m) of AD 2022-18-01, with no changes.
    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0246 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using October 11, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-
18-01).
    (2) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-
0246 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0246 specifies revising ``the 
AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD 
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, within 90 days after October 11, 2022 (the effective 
date of AD 2022-18-01).
    (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (2) of EASA 2021-0246 is at the applicable ``limitations'' 
as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 
2021-0246, or within 90 days after October 11, 2022 (the effective 
date of AD 2022-18-01), whichever occurs later.
    (5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA 
AD 2021-0246 do not apply to this AD.

[[Page 41771]]

    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0246 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions, Intervals, With a New 
Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD 
2022-18-01, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph 
(j) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program 
has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no 
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed 
unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the 
``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2021-0246.

(j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0213, dated November 14, 2024 (EASA AD 
2024-0213). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance 
or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0213

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0213.
    (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0213 specifies revising ``the 
AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD 
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0213 is at the applicable 
``limitations'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) 
of EASA AD 2024-0213, or within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in 
paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2024-0213.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0213.

(l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they 
are approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. 
Publications'' section of EASA AD 2024-0213.

(m) 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 (n) 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.

(n) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Emma Copeland, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 847-294-8068; email: [email protected].

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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.
    (3) The following material was approved for IBR on October 1, 
2025.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0213, 
dated November 14, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following material was approved for IBR on October 11, 
2022 (87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022).
    (i) EASA AD 2021-0246, dated November 17, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) 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.
    Note 1 to paragraph (o)(5): EASA AD 2021-0246 can be accessed in 
the zipped file at the bottom of the web page for EASA AD 2021-
0246R1, dated October 12, 2022. When EASA posts a revised AD on 
their website, they watermark the previous AD as ``Revised,'' alter 
the file name by adding ``_revised'' to the end, and move it into a 
zipped file attached at the bottom of the AD web page.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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. 2025-16402 Filed 8-26-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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