[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 176 (Monday, September 15, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44319-44321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-17786]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1104; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00622-T;
Amendment 39-23130; AD 2025-18-03]
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) 2023-25-
09, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, A321, A330-
200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-
300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. AD 2023-25-09 required
replacing SafeLav gaseous oxygen containers (SLGOCs) affected by a
production deficiency and prohibiting the installation of affected
SLGOCs. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-05-09, a new airplane model has
been certified, on which affected parts could be installed in service.
This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2023-25-09 and adds
airplanes to the applicability. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 20, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 20,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1104; 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-2025-1104.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole S. Tsang, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3959; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-25-09, Amendment 39-22636 (89 FR 242,
January 3, 2024) (AD 2023-25-09). AD 2023-25-09 applied to all Airbus
SAS Model A318, A319, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-
300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600
series airplanes. AD 2023-25-09 required replacing affected SLGOCs and
prohibiting the installation of affected SLGOCs. The FAA issued AD
2023-25-09 to address missing heat treatment of the actuation pin of
the SLGOC, which could cause its jamming, with consequent failure of
oxygen flow activation. This condition, if not corrected, could prevent
supplemental oxygen supply in case of decompression in the cabin/
lavatory, possibly resulting in injury to lavatory occupants.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2025,
(90 FR 25520). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0197, dated October 18,
2024 (EASA AD 2024-0197) (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 a new Model, A321-253NY, has been
certified, on which affected parts could be installed in service.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2023-25-09 and to add airplanes to the applicability, as specified
in EASA AD 2024-0197. 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-2025-1104.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) 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 2024-0197, which specifies procedures for
replacing affected SLGOCs and prohibiting the installation of affected
[[Page 44320]]
SLGOCs. 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 2,018 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.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 2023-25-09 2 work-hours x $85 per $4,570 $4,740 $9,309,360
(1,964 airplanes). hour = $170.
New actions (54 airplanes)............ 2 work-hours x $85 per 4,570 4,740 255,960
hour = $170.
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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) 2023-25-09, Amendment 39-22636
(89 FR 242, January 3, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2025-18-03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23130; Docket No. FAA-2025-1104;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00622-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2023-25-09, Amendment 39-22636 (89 FR 242,
January 3, 2024) (AD 2023-25-09).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) 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.
(5) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301,
-302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, -841, and -941
airplanes.
(6) Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a production deficiency of
some SafeLav gaseous oxygen container (SLGOC) batches was identified
during production testing of newly manufactured oxygen containers,
and by the determination that additional airplanes are affected by
the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address missing
heat treatment of the actuation pin of the SLGOC, which could cause
its jamming, with consequent failure of oxygen flow activation. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in lack of
supplemental oxygen supply in case of decompression in the cabin/
lavatory, possibly resulting in injury to lavatory occupants.
(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
2024-0197, dated October 18, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0197).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0197
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0197 refers to ``22 May 2023 [the
effective date of EASA AD 2023-0094]'', this AD requires using
``February 7, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2023-25-09)''.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0197 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0197.
[[Page 44321]]
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0197 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 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 2024-0197 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 Nicole S. Tsang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3959; 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 2024-0197,
dated October 18, 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 28, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-17786 Filed 9-12-25; 8:45 am]
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