[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 157 (Monday, August 18, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40030-40032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-15689]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0755; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00633-T;
Amendment 39-23108; AD 2025-16-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-06-
18, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; A319
series airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N,
-252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and A321 series
airplanes. AD 2020-06-18 required replacement of affected trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) with serviceable THSAs. Since
the FAA issued AD 2020-06-18, a new Airbus airplane model (A321-253NY)
has been certified, on which affected parts could be installed in
service. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2020-06-18,
revises the applicability to include Model A321-253NY airplanes, and
prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 22, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
22, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0755; 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 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-2025-0755.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Dowling, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3667; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-06-18,
[[Page 40031]]
Amendment 39-19887 (85 FR 18428, April 2, 2020) (AD 2020-06-18). AD
2020-06-18 applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; A319
series airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N,
-252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and A321 series
airplanes. AD 2020-06-18 required replacement of affected THSAs with
serviceable THSAs. The FAA issued AD 2020-06-18 to address improper
installation of the THSA ball screw jack, which can compromise the
failsafe design of the THSA.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 19, 2025 (90
FR 21242). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0203, dated October 22,
2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0203) (also referred to as
the MCAI). The MCAI states a new airplane model (A321-253NY) has been
certified by EASA, on which affected parts could be installed in
service. EASA AD 2024-0203 extends the applicability to include Model
A321-253NY airplanes and prohibits installation of affected parts on
those airplanes in service.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2020-06-18, to revise the applicability to include Model A321-253NY
airplanes, and to prohibit the installation of affected parts, as
specified in EASA AD 2024-0203. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
improper installation of the THSA ball screw jack, which can compromise
the failsafe design of the THSA. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in uncontrolled movement of the horizontal
stabilizer as a result of a single failure of the THSA, and consequent
loss of control of the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0755.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and United Airlines 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 2024-0203, which specifies procedures for
replacing affected THSAs with serviceable THSAs. EASA AD 2024-0203 also
prohibits the installation of affected parts. 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 90 airplanes of U.S.
registry. For airplanes affected by AD 2020-06-18, and for any affected
airplane that is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement.................. Up to 8 work- $326,608 Up to $327,288........ Up to $29,455,920.
hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) 2020-06-18, Amendment 39-19887
(85 FR 18428, April 2, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
[[Page 40032]]
2025-16-10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23108; Docket No. FAA-2025-0755;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00633-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 22,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-06-18, Amendment 39-19887 (85 FR 18428,
April 2, 2020) (AD 2020-06-18).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N, -153N, and -171N 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, -251NX, -252N, -252NX, -253N, -253NX, -253NY, -271N, -271NX, -
272N, and -272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a maintenance repair organization's
report of deviations from the component maintenance manual
acceptance test procedure for certain trimmable horizontal
stabilizer actuators (THSAs). This AD was also prompted by a
determination that affected parts could also be installed on Model
A321-253NY airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address improper
installation of the THSA ball screw jack, which can compromise the
failsafe design of the THSA. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer
as a result of a single failure of the THSA, and consequent loss of
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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2024-0203, dated October 22, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0203).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0203
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0203 refers to ``02 April 2020 [the
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0073]'', this AD requires using
``April 2, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-26-18)''.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0203 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2024-0203 defines a serviceable part as ``Any
THSA, eligible for installation in accordance with Airbus
instructions, which is not an affected part'' this AD requires
replacing that text with ``Any THSA, eligible for installation, that
is not an affected part''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0203.
(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
the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) 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
paragraph (i)(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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Timothy Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3667; email [email protected].
(k) 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 2024-0203,
dated October 22, 2024.
(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 4, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-15689 Filed 8-15-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P