Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 165 (Thursday, August 27, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55245-55247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17551]



[[Page 55245]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-1353; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00236-T; 
Amendment 39-23447; AD 2026-17-04]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-25-
06, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318 and A320 series 
airplanes; and Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -
133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, 
-211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -
251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, -272NX, and -253NY airplanes. AD 2024-
25-06 required repetitive inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) 
door actuators and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable 
corrective actions, and prohibited the installation of affected parts. 
Since the FAA issued AD 2024-05-06, the FAA determined that replacing 
the MLG door actuators is necessary to address the unsafe condition, 
and the applicability and definition of an affected part must be 
expanded. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2024-25-06, 
requires replacing affected parts with serviceable parts, and expands 
the applicability and definition of an affected part. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 1, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of October 1, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1353; 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-2025-1353.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3225; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2024-25-06, Amendment 39-22908 (89 FR 
100734, December 13, 2024) (AD 2024-25-06). AD 2024-25-06 applied to 
all Airbus SAS Model A318 and A320 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -
112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N 
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -
232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, 
-272NX, and -253NY airplanes. AD 2024-25-06 required repetitive 
inspections of the MLG door actuators and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, and prohibited the 
installation of affected parts. The FAA issued AD 2024-25-06 to address 
incorrectly assembled MLG door actuators, which, if not detected and 
corrected, could prevent the extension of the MLG, possibly resulting 
in significant damage to the airplane, and potentially causing a fire 
that would involve emergency evacuation of the passengers.
    AD 2024-25-06 was prompted by EASA AD 2024-0216, dated November 15, 
2024 (EASA AD 2024-0216), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union. In the preamble to AD 
2024-25-06, the FAA explained it was considering further rulemaking to 
require replacement of each affected MLG door actuator with a 
serviceable part to terminate the repetitive inspections, as specified 
in EASA AD 2024-0216. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
July 8, 2025 (90 FR 30024). The NPRM was prompted by the FAA's 
determination that replacement of affected MLG door actuators is 
necessary to address the unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA 
proposed to continue to require the actions in AD 2024-25-06 and 
require replacing affected parts with serviceable parts, as specified 
in EASA AD 2024-0216.
    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2024-25-06. The SNPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on May 26, 2026 (91 FR 30511). The 
SNPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0158, dated July 21, 2025, which in 
turn was revised by EASA AD 2025-0158R1, dated September 12, 2025 (EASA 
AD 2025-0158R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that 
after EASA AD 2024-0216 was issued, the service information was revised 
to expand the list of serial numbers for the affected part, and that 
the applicability has been expanded to include new certified Airbus SAS 
Model A321-271NY airplanes, on which affected parts could be installed 
in service. The MCAI also added Airbus SAS Model A319-173N airplanes to 
the applicability. In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to 
require the actions in AD 2024-25-06. The SNPRM also proposed to 
require replacing affected parts with serviceable parts and expand the 
applicability and the definition of an affected part. 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-2025-1353.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA) who supported the SNPRM 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

[[Page 55246]]

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

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2025-0158R1 specifies procedures for repetitive inspections 
for any discrepancy of each affected MLG door actuator, replacement of 
affected parts if any discrepancy is detected, and eventual replacement 
of all affected parts with serviceable parts. Discrepancy is defined as 
any MLG door actuator that does not meet all the results specified in 
the table in paragraph 5.6.2.2 in the material referenced in EASA AD 
2025-0158R1. EASA AD 2025-0158R1 also prohibits the installation of 
affected parts. EASA AD 2025-0158R1 also specifies that replacement of 
each affected part with a serviceable part, on the airplane, terminates 
the repetitive inspections.
    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 1,933 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (retained from AD 2024- 2 work-hours x $85               $0  $170 per inspection  $328,610 per
 25-06).                            per hour = $170.                     cycle.               inspection cycle.
Replacement of MLG door actuator.  3 work-hours x 85             9,324  $9,579.............  $18,516,207.
                                    per hour = 255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any on-condition 
replacements that would be required based on the results of any 
required or optional actions. The FAA has no way of determining the 
number of airplanes that might need this on-condition replacement:

    Estimated Costs of On-Condition Replacement of MLG Door Actuator
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595....          $9,324           $9,919
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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) 2024-25-06, Amendment 39-22908 
(89 FR 100734, December 13, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2026-17-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23447; Docket No. FAA-2025-1353; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00236-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 1, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2024-25-06, Amendment 39-22908 (89 FR 
100734, December 13, 2024) (AD 2024-25-06).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, -171N, and -173N airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N,

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-253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, -272NX, -253NY, 
and -271NY airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of jamming of, or inability to 
open, the main landing gear (MLG) door during maintenance 
operations. Investigations identified that certain MLG door 
actuators may not have been assembled correctly. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address this condition, which, if not detected and 
corrected, could prevent the extension of the MLG, possibly 
resulting in significant damage to the airplane, and potentially 
causing a fire that will involve emergency evacuation of the 
passengers.

(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 
2025-0158R1, dated September 12, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0158R1).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0158R1

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0158R1 refers to August 4, 2025 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2025-0158, dated July 21, 2025), this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2025-0158R1 refers to 
November 22, 2024 (the effective date of EASA AD 2024-0216, dated 
November 15, 2024), this AD requires using the effective date of 
this AD.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2025-0158R1 defines a serviceable part as an 
``MLG door actuator, eligible for installation in accordance with 
Airbus instructions, which is not an affected part'', this AD 
requires replacing that text with ``MLG door actuator, eligible for 
installation, which is not an affected part''.
    (4) Where paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2025-0158R1 specify 
to accomplish an inspection ``in accordance with the instructions of 
the AOT'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``in accordance 
with step 5.6.2 of the instructions of the AOT''.
    (5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0158R1 specifies ``any 
discrepancy on an affected MLG door (1 or 2) is detected, as defined 
in the AOT'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``any MLG 
door actuator that does not meet all the results specified in the 
table in paragraph 5.6.2.2 in the referenced AOT''.
    (6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0158R1.

(i) No Reporting or Return of Parts Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0158R1 
specifies to submit certain information and send removed parts 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 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 
paragraphs (i) and (j)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in 
EASA AD 2025-0158R1 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.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone: 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0158R1, 
dated September 12, 2025.
    (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 21, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-17551 Filed 8-26-26; 8:45 am]
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