Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 25, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53203-53206]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20924]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-3423; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00811-T; 
Amendment 39-23162; AD 2025-20-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-22-
09, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. AD 
2022-22-09 required replacing affected hydro-mechanical units (HMUs) 
with serviceable HMUs before reaching a reduced life limit and limited 
the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. Since the 
FAA issued AD 2022-22-09, an improved HMU was developed and embodied in 
production. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2022-22-09. 
This AD also requires replacing affected HMUs with improved HMUs and 
prohibits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions 
and on certain airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 10, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 10, 
2025.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 9, 2026.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-3423; 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 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    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-2025-3423.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Hill, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3626; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-3423; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2025-00811-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kathryn 
Hill, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3626; email: [email protected]. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

[[Page 53204]]

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2022-22-09, Amendment 39-22224 (87 FR 72377, 
November 25, 2022) (AD 2022-22-09), for Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 
airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. AD 2022-22-09 
was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2022-
0040, dated March 8, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0040), to correct an unsafe 
condition. AD 2022-22-09 was prompted by reports of rejected takeoffs 
after transient engine N1 shaft speed exceedance, which was found to be 
the result of piston wear, causing the combining spill valve (CSV) 
piston of the engine HMU to close slowly. EASA AD 2022-0040 stated 
investigations revealed that the CSV of the engine HMU was slow to 
close due to piston wear. A worn CSV piston does not move fully and 
freely over its operating range, and, when it moves to fully closed 
position, an excess of fuel is sent to the fuel nozzles which 
eventually results in an N1 transient shaft overspeed.
    AD 2022-22-09 required replacing certain HMUs with serviceable HMUs 
before reaching a reduced life limit. The FAA issued AD 2022-22-09 to 
address a stuck CSV piston of the engine HMUs, which could 
significantly reduce engine thrust, and if combined with a loss of the 
second engine, could possibly result in reduced control of the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2022-22-09 Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2022-22-09 specifies that the FAA considers that 
AD ``interim action'' and that the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking if a final action is identified. Since the FAA issued AD 
2022-22-09, EASA superseded AD 2022-0040 with EASA AD 2025-0100, dated 
April 30, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0100) (also referred to as the MCAI), to 
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes 
equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. The MCAI states, since 
issuance of EASA AD 2022-0040, an improved HMU has been developed and 
embodied in production through Airbus modification 120423. In addition, 
Rolls-Royce published Rolls-Royce Modification Service Bulletin TRENT 
XWB 73-L044 to provide instructions for replacement of an affected HMU 
with an improved HMU, as a terminating action for replacement of the 
life-limited affected parts. The FAA has now determined that further 
rulemaking is necessary, and this AD follows from that determination.
    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-2025-3423.

Explanation of Retained Requirements

    Although this AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD 
2022-22-09, this AD retains all of the requirements of AD 2022-22-09. 
Those requirements are referenced in EASA AD 2025-0100, which, in turn, 
is referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0100, which specifies procedures for 
replacing an HMU having part number (P/N) G5020HMU02 with either a 
serviceable HMU, or an improved HMU having P/N G5020HMU03, or any later 
approved part number. EASA AD 2025-0100 also prohibits the installation 
of an affected HMU after it is replaced with an improved HMU.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    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 is issuing this AD 
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD retains all requirements of AD 2022-22-09. This AD requires 
accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2025-0100 described 
previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this AD. This AD also prohibits the installation of 
affected parts under certain conditions.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, 
EASA AD 2025-0100 is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD 
requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-0100 in its entirety through that 
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in 
the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as 
the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0100 does not mean 
that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where 
the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance 
times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the 
section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 
2025-0100. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0100 for compliance will 
be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-3423 after 
this AD is published.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment 
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    There are currently no domestic operators of these products. 
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the 
foregoing reason(s), the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good 
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and 
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt 
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, the FAA

[[Page 53205]]

provides the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2022-22-09...........  Up to 7 work-hours x $85 per                * $0            $595
                                                 hour = $595.
New actions...................................  Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per                 * 0             170
                                                 hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the parts 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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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) 2022-22-09, Amendment 39-22224 
(87 FR 72377, November 25, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2025-20-09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23162; Docket No. FAA-2025-3423; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00811-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 10, 
2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-22-09, Amendment 39-22224 (87 FR 72377, 
November 25, 2022) (AD 2022-22-09).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0100, dated April 30, 2025 
(EASA AD 2025-0100).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 73, Engine Fuel 
and Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of rejected takeoffs after 
transient engine N1 shaft speed exceedance. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address a stuck combining spill valve piston of the engine 
hydro-mechanical units, which could significantly reduce engine 
thrust, and if combined with a loss of the second engine, could 
possibly result in reduced control 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 2025-0100.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0100

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0100 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0100 refers to March 15, 
2022 (the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0040, dated March 8, 2022), 
this AD requires using December 30, 2022 (the effective date of FAA 
AD 2022-22-09).
    (3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0100.

(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 
Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: 
[email protected].
    (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, 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 referenced in EASA AD 
2025-0100 that contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the 
instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC 
paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, 
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not 
identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, 
including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can 
be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. 
Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC 
require approval of an AMOC.

[[Page 53206]]

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kathryn Hill, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 206-231-3626; email: [email protected].

(k) 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 December 10, 
2025.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0100, 
dated April 30, 2025.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) 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.
    (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 September 26, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20924 Filed 11-24-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T00:53:16.398191+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.

Open the captured official edition

Source SHA-256

bd342b7124121b978bf70c9ad28ac6cfd657cae34fc6202cbcc0e97e69979b5d

Text SHA-256

b3802486e20d6c574320e2e21c4264d15c456df4f91336a4b284f84e40bbebeb