[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 179 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44964-44967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-18087]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0742; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00682-T;
Amendment 39-23133; AD 2025-18-06]
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) 2020-02-
14, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes. AD 2020-02-14 required a one-time inspection of the oxygen
containers and adjacent panels and applicable corrective actions. Since
the FAA issued AD 2020-02-14, it was determined that additional
airplanes may be affected by the same unsafe condition. This AD
continues to require the actions in AD 2020-02-14 and expands the
applicability to include additional airplanes. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 23, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 23,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0742; 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.
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.
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-2025-0742.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Tsang, Aviation Safety
Engineer,
[[Page 44965]]
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 2020-02-14, Amendment 39-19828 (85 FR 6757,
February 6, 2020) (AD 2020-02-14). AD 2020-02-14 applied to certain
Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2020-02-14 required a
one-time inspection of the oxygen containers and adjacent panels, and
applicable corrective actions. The FAA issued AD 2020-02-14 to address
damaged and unlocked fasteners of the oxygen containers and adjacent
panels in the passenger supply channels (PSCs), which could result in
insufficient clearance between the oxygen container and adjacent panels
and prevent the opening of the oxygen containers, and consequent
failure of the oxygen masks to deploy and provide supplemental oxygen
in case of an in-flight decompression, possibly resulting in injury to
cabin occupants.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2025
(90 FR 17743). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0220, dated November
20, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0220) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European. The MCAI states that since EASA AD 2019-0210, dated August
26, 2019, was issued, it was determined that additional A350
manufacturer serial numbers (airplanes) may be affected by the same
unsafe condition.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in
AD 2020-02-14 and expand the applicability to include additional
airplanes, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0220. 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-2025-0742.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0220, which specifies procedures for
inspecting the oxygen containers and the installation of adjacent
panels located in all PSCs, to check that each fastener of each panel/
component is locked and to measure the clearance between the oxygen
container door lid and the adjacent panel/component. EASA AD 2024-0220
also describes procedures for applicable corrective actions, including
attaining minimum clearance, locking any unlocked fasteners, and
replacing damaged parts.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)
A35P015-19, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2019. This material identifies
affected airplanes for the Group 1 airplanes specified in EASA AD 2024-
0220.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus AOT A35P023-24, Revision 01, dated
July 25, 2024. This material identifies affected airplanes for the
Group 2 airplanes specified in EASA AD 2024-0220.
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 19 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2020- 4 work-hours x $85 $0 $340 $5,440 (16 airplanes).
02-14. per hour = $340.
New actions.................... 4 work-hours x $85 0 340 $1,020 (3 airplanes).
per hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.. * $0 $85
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for the on-
condition actions.
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
[[Page 44966]]
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) 2020-02-14, Amendment 39-19828
(85 FR 6757, February 6, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2025-18-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23133; Docket No. FAA-2025-0742;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00682-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 23, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-02-14, Amendment 39-19828 (85 FR 6757,
February 6, 2020) (AD 2020-02-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, having manufacturer serial
numbers (MSNs) listed in Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)
A35P015-19, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2019; and Airbus AOT
A35P023-24, Revision 01, dated July 25, 2024.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that during inspection of the
installation of oxygen containers, certain fasteners of the oxygen
containers and adjacent panels in the passenger supply channels
(PSCs) were found damaged or unlocked, which could result in
insufficient clearance between the oxygen container and adjacent
panels. This AD was also prompted by a determination that additional
airplanes may be affected by the same unsafe condition. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address damaged and unlocked fasteners of the
oxygen containers and adjacent panels in the PSCs, which could
result in insufficient clearance between the oxygen container and
adjacent panels. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
prevent the opening of the oxygen containers and result in failure
of oxygen masks to deploy and provide supplemental oxygen supply in
case of an in-flight decompression, possibly resulting in injury to
cabin 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
2024-0220, dated November 20, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0220).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0220
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0220 refers to ``09 September 2019 [the
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0210],'' this AD requires using March
12, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-02-14).
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0220 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the ``Groups'' definition in EASA AD 2024-0220
specifies ``Group 1 aeroplanes are those having an MSN as listed in
the AOT1'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``Group 1
airplanes are those having an MSN as listed in Airbus AOT A35P015-
19, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2019''.
(4) Where the ``Groups'' definition in EASA AD 2024-0220
specifies ``Group 2 aeroplanes are those having an MSN as listed in
the AOT2'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``Group 2
airplanes are those having an MSN as listed in Airbus AOT A35P023-
24, Revision 01, dated July 25, 2024''.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0220.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0220 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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nicole 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) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35P015-19,
Revision 01, dated June 19, 2019.
(ii) Airbus AOT A35P023-24, Revision 01, dated July 25, 2024.
(iii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0220,
dated November 20, 2024.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(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.
[[Page 44967]]
(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 September 4, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-18087 Filed 9-17-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P