[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 25, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53195-53197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20925]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 25, 2025 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 53195]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0624; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00628-T;
Amendment 39-23148; AD 2025-19-08]
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 all
Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Model A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a report that cracks were found following
fatigue tests for the new lower wing cover material on airplanes
equipped with sharklets. This AD requires repetitive inspections for
discrepancies and corrective action. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 30, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 30,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0624; 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-2025-0624.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3667;
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 all Airbus SAS Model
A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model
A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model
A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM was published
in the Federal Register on April 16, 2025 (90 FR 15942). The NPRM was
prompted by AD 2024-0201R1, dated December 2, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-
0201R1) (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 that cracks were found following fatigue tests for the new lower
wing cover material on airplanes equipped with sharklets. This
condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the structural
integrity of the outer wing.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive inspections for
discrepancies and corrective action, as specified in EASA AD 2024-
0201R1. 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-2025-0624.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from an individual who supported the NPRM
and had an additional comment.
The FAA received additional comments from Delta Air Lines (Delta).
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response.
Request To Require Inspectors From Different Institutions
An individual suggested that the people doing the inspections
specified in the proposed AD be from different institutions, e.g.,
Boeing, the FAA, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the aviation
company using the airplane. The commenter suggested the team would have
to work together to make sure the airplane was safe and agree on the
safety issue before the airplane would be allowed to fly.
The FAA agrees to clarify. FAA regulations (14 CFR 43.3) stipulate
who can perform maintenance on or alter an airplane on the U.S.
registry, including inspections required by an AD. AD actions must be
performed by people holding certain certificates or having specialized
training that provides them the knowledge necessary to properly inspect
and repair airplanes. In addition, FAA regulations (14 CFR 43.7)
stipulate who is authorized to approve an airplane for return to
service after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or
alteration, including inspections required by an AD. No change to this
AD is necessary.
Request To Revise the Reporting Requirement
Delta requested that the FAA revise paragraph (h)(4) of the
proposed AD to not require an inspection report if no discrepancy is
found, or if any discrepancy is found and Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA) is contacted for repair instructions. Delta
noted that the service information referenced in EASA AD 2024-0201R1
specifies to contact Airbus if there are any findings. Delta also noted
that the provisions of paragraph (h)(5) of the proposed AD would allow
for approval of repair instructions for any discrepancies (i.e.,
approved repair instructions) by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus SAS's EASA
DOA, and that this
[[Page 53196]]
option allows operators to seek the FAA's approval of repair
instructions in lieu of only Airbus. Delta stated there is no need to
report damage to Airbus on a specific report form if Airbus is
contacted for repair instructions because the data is required to be
provided to Airbus for approval of the repair instructions. Delta also
stated that Airbus should know that if no repair is requested, then
either no damage was found or the operator obtained approval from the
FAA and should report the inspection findings to Airbus.
The FAA agrees it is unnecessary to submit an inspection report if
no discrepancies are found, and that reporting inspection results to
Airbus would also be unnecessary regardless of whether Airbus SAS's
EASA DOA, the FAA, or EASA was contacted for repair instructions. The
FAA has re-evaluated the proposed reporting requirement and determined
this AD does not need to require submitting a report for all inspection
results, which would include reporting any and no findings. The FAA has
revised the AD to remove the proposed paragraph (h)(4) and references
to the reporting requirement in the preamble and cost estimate.
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, and any other changes described previously,
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 2024-0201R1, which specifies procedures
for repetitive special detailed inspections (SDIs) for discrepancies
(cracking) of the bottom wing surface area between rib 19 and rib 21,
forward of stringer 8, both left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides,
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective
action (contacting Airbus for repair instructions). 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 1,924 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510..... None.................... $510 $981,240
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs 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:
2025-19-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23148; Docket No. FAA-2025-0624;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00628-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 30,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model airplanes, certificated
in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of
this AD.
(1) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(2) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(3) Model A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that cracks were found
following fatigue tests for the new lower wing cover material on
[[Page 53197]]
airplanes equipped with sharklets. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address cracking in the lower wing cover material. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could reduce the structural integrity
of the outer wing.
(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
2024-0201R1, dated December 2, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0201R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0201R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0201R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0201R1 refers to ``04 November 2024 [the
effective date of the original issue of this AD],'' this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0201R1.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0201R1 specifies if
``discrepancies are detected, as identified in the AOT, before next
flight, contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and, within
the compliance time(s) specified therein, accomplish those
instructions accordingly'', this AD requires replacing that text
with ``any discrepancy is detected, as identified in the AOT, the
discrepancy 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''.
(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 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 referenced in EASA AD
2024-0201R1 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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Tim Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 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 2024-0201R1,
dated December 2, 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 September 24, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20925 Filed 11-24-25; 8:45 am]
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