[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 137 (Monday, July 21, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34174-34176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-13593]
[[Page 34174]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0628; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00728-T;
Amendment 39-23084; AD 2025-14-06]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of deep spot faces on rib 9 at the lower flange
bolting with the lower spar. This AD requires a special detailed
inspection for discrepancies of certain pylon bolts, and applicable
corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 25,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0628; 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:
For Airbus material identified in this AD, contact Airbus
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45
80; email airbus.com">continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; website airbus.com.
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.
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-2025-0628.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-
3225; 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 A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on April 29, 2025 (90 FR 17749). The NPRM was prompted
by AD 2024-0234, dated December 6, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0234) (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 deep spot
faces have been detected on the production line on rib 9 at the lower
flange bolting with the lower spar. This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to reduced fatigue life, which could adversely
affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a special detailed
inspection for discrepancies of certain pylon bolts, and applicable
corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0234. 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-2025-0628.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
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
EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies procedures for a special detailed
inspection for discrepancies of the 2 pylon bolts at rib 9, left-hand
and right-hand sides, and applicable corrective actions (repair).
Discrepancies include washers that are not correctly aligned with the
nut, cracks, scratches, corrosion, damage, and missing hardware. In
addition, discrepancies include a no-go condition found after measuring
the spot face depth with a ``GO-NoGO GAUGE.'' The compliance times for
the applicable corrective actions range from before next flight to
3,000 flight cycles from completion of inspection.
The FAA reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin A350-54-P011, dated July
4, 2024. This material identifies affected airplanes specified in EASA
AD 2024-0234.
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 this AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680........................... $0 $0 $11,560
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[[Page 34175]]
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions 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,
(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:
2025-14-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23084; Docket No. FAA-2025-0628;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00728-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 25, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, having manufacturer serial
numbers listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A350-54-P011, dated July
4, 2024.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of deep spot faces that were
detected on the production line on rib 9 at lower flange bolting
with the lower spar. The FAA is issuing this AD to address deep spot
faces on rib 9, which if not addressed, could result in reduced
fatigue life and 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 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
2024-0234, dated December 6, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0234).
(h) Exception to EASA AD 2024-0234
(1) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies
``accomplish the corrective actions,'' this AD requires replacing
that text with ``accomplish the corrective actions, including any
inspection instructions.''
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies ``Where
the SB instructs to contact Airbus for approved repair instructions,
this AD requires to contact Airbus for corrective action(s)
instructions, and within the compliance time specified therein, to
accomplish those instructions accordingly,'' this AD requires
replacing that text with ``Where the SB instructs to contact Airbus
for instructions or inspections, this AD requires contacting Airbus
for instructions and inspections, as applicable, and within the
compliance time specified therein, accomplishing those instructions
accordingly; except if any cracking is found, 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
2024-0234.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0234 specifies
to submit certain information 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 DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (j)(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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 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) Airbus Service Bulletin A350-54-P011, dated July 4, 2024.
[[Page 34176]]
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0234,
dated December 6, 2024.
(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) For Airbus material identified in this AD, contact Airbus
SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2,
31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 45 80; email airbus.com">continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; website
airbus.com.
(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 July 9, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-13593 Filed 7-18-25; 8:45 am]
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