Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 185 (Friday, September 26, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46343-46346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-18760]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-1109; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00025-T; 
Amendment 39-23144; AD 2025-19-04]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-22-
02, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, 
-300, -800, and -900 series airplanes. AD 2024-22-02 required revising 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since 
the FAA issued AD 2024-22-02, the FAA has determined that new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues 
to require certain actions in AD 2024-22-02 and requires revising the 
existing maintenance or

[[Page 46344]]

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 31, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 31, 
2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
December 17, 2024 (89 FR 88881, November 12, 2024).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1109; 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-2025-1109.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Seay, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 817-
222-5149; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2024-22-02, Amendment 39-22873 (89 FR 
88881, November 12, 2024) (AD 2024-22-02). AD 2024-22-02 applied to 
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300, -800, and -900 
series airplanes. AD 2024-22-02 required revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2024-22-
02 to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, and corrosion in 
principal structural elements, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2025 (90 
FR 25517). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2025-0015, dated January 13, 
2025 (EASA AD 2025-0015) (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 new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations have been developed. Airplanes with an original 
airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued after November 26, 2024, must comply with the 
airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design 
and referenced on the type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore 
does not include those airplanes in the applicability.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require certain 
actions in AD 2024-22-02 and to require revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or 
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 
2025-0015. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, 
accidental damage, and corrosion in principal structural elements, 
which 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-2025-1109.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA) 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0015, which specifies procedures for 
new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane 
structures.
    This AD also requires EASA AD 2024-0011, dated January 10, 2024, 
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation 
by reference as of December 17, 2024 (89 FR 88881, November 12, 2024).
    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 126 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 2024-22-02 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

[[Page 46345]]

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) 2024-22-02, Amendment 39-22873 
(89 FR 88881, November 12, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2025-19-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23144; Docket No. FAA-2025-1109; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00025-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 31, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2024-22-02, Amendment 39-22873 (89 FR 88881, 
November 12, 2024) (AD 2024-22-02).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (5) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before November 26, 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, and 
corrosion in principal structural elements. 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 New Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2024-22-02, with new terminating action. For airplanes with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before October 20, 2023: 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 2024-0011, dated 
January 10, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0011). 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 2024-0011, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(k) of AD 2024-22-02, with no changes.
    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0011.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0011 specifies revising ``the 
approved 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 December 17, 2024 (the effective 
date of AD 2024-22-02).
    (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0011 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2024-0011, or within 90 days after December 17, 2024 (the 
effective date of AD 2024-22-02), whichever occurs later.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in 
paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2024-0011.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0011.
    (6) This AD does not require incorporating Section 4, ``Damage 
Tolerant-Airworthiness Limitations Items-Tasks Beyond MPPT,'' of 
``the ALS'' specified in EASA 2024-0011.

(i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals, With a 
New Exception

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (l) of AD 
2024-22-02, with a new exception. Except 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-
0011.

(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 2025-0015, dated January 13, 2025 (EASA AD 
2025-0015). 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 2025-0015

    (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2025-0015.
    (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0015 specifies to ``revise 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 (3) of EASA AD 2025-0015 is at the applicable ``associated 
thresholds'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2025-0015, 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 (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2025-0015.
    (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0015.
    (6) This AD does not require incorporating Section 4, ``Damage 
Tolerant-Airworthiness Limitations Items-Tasks Beyond MPPT'', of 
``the ALS'' specified in EASA 2025-0015.

(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 2025-0015.

(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

[[Page 46346]]

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 Camille Seay, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 817-222-5149; 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 31, 
2025.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0015, 
dated January 13, 2025.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following material was approved for IBR on December 17, 
2024 (89 FR 88881, November 12, 2024).
    (i) EASA AD 2024-0011, dated January 10, 2024.
    (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.
    (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 September 11, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-18760 Filed 9-25-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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