[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 27, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41769-41771]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16402]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0925; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00671-T;
Amendment 39-23116; AD 2025-17-06]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-18-
01, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series
airplanes, A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, A330-300 series
airplanes, Model A330-800 series airplanes, and A330-900 series
airplanes. AD 2022-18-01 required revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-18-
01, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or 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 1, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 1,
2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
October 11, 2022 (87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0925; 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-2025-0925.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emma Copeland, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 847-
294-8068; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-18-01, Amendment 39-22152 (87 FR
54355, September 6, 2022) (AD 2022-18-01). AD 2022-18-01 applied to
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200 series airplanes, A330-200 Freighter
series airplanes, A330-300 series airplanes, A330-800 series airplanes,
and A330-900 series airplanes. AD 2022-18-01 required revising the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA
issued AD 2022-18-01 to address fatigue cracking, accidental damage, or
corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible failure of
certain life-limited parts, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2025 (90
FR 25163). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0213, dated November 14,
2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0213) (also referred to as
the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations have been developed.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD
2024-0213. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking,
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and
possible failure of certain life-limited parts. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, 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-2025-0925.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), and an anonymous commenter 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.
[[Page 41770]]
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0213. This material specifies new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and
safe life limits.
This AD also requires EASA AD 2021-0246, dated November 17, 2021,
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation
by reference as of October 11, 2022 (87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022).
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 138 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 2022-18-01 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 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) 2022-18-01, Amendment 39-22152
(87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2025-17-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23116; Docket No. FAA-2025-0925;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00671-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 1, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-18-01, Amendment 39-22152 (87 FR 54355,
September 6, 2022) (AD 2022-18-01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model airplanes, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before October 1,
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, or
corrosion in principal structural elements, and possible failure of
certain life-limited parts. 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 a New Terminating Action
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD
2022-18-01, with a new terminating action. For airplanes with an
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness issued on or before July 1, 2021: 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 2021-0246, dated November 17,
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0246). 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 2021-0246, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph
(m) of AD 2022-18-01, with no changes.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0246 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using October 11, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-
18-01).
(2) The requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-
0246 do not apply to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0246 specifies revising ``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 October 11, 2022 (the effective
date of AD 2022-18-01).
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (2) of EASA 2021-0246 is at the applicable ``limitations''
as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2021-0246, or within 90 days after October 11, 2022 (the effective
date of AD 2022-18-01), whichever occurs later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA
AD 2021-0246 do not apply to this AD.
[[Page 41771]]
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0246 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions, Intervals, With a New
Exception
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (n) of AD
2022-18-01, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program
has been revised as required by paragraph (g) 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 2021-0246.
(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 2024-0213, dated November 14, 2024 (EASA AD
2024-0213). 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 2024-0213
(1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0213.
(2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0213 specifies revising ``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 (2) of EASA AD 2024-0213 is at the applicable
``limitations'' as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2)
of EASA AD 2024-0213, 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 (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2024-0213.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0213.
(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 2024-0213.
(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 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 Emma Copeland,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 847-294-8068; 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 1,
2025.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0213,
dated November 14, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on October 11,
2022 (87 FR 54355, September 6, 2022).
(i) EASA AD 2021-0246, dated November 17, 2021.
(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.
Note 1 to paragraph (o)(5): EASA AD 2021-0246 can be accessed in
the zipped file at the bottom of the web page for EASA AD 2021-
0246R1, dated October 12, 2022. When EASA posts a revised AD on
their website, they watermark the previous AD as ``Revised,'' alter
the file name by adding ``_revised'' to the end, and move it into a
zipped file attached at the bottom of the AD web page.
(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 August 19, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-16402 Filed 8-26-25; 8:45 am]
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