Federal Register #2026-07052

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Airbus SAS A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes – Radio System Modifications

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS airplanes to address critical radio communication safety issues. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - Aircraft Certification Service, Continued Operational Safety Branch - OEM Highlight: - Airbus SAS is the primary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) referenced - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) emergency procedures for Airbus SAS Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes - Modification of the Digital Radio and Audio Integrating Management System (DRAIMS), including: - Upgrade to DRAIMS software version L4.3 - Audio management and Radio Management Panel (RMP) software upgrades - Wiring modifications at the 3rd occupant human-machine interface input - Compliance with Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB H16052200002 for affected jettisonable window system elements - Scope and Applicability: - Estimated 544 affected Airbus SAS airplanes - Adds Model A321271NY to the applicability - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Prohibits installation of affected parts as identified in the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin - Requires compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 20250118R1 - Mandates AFM revisions within 7 days of directive and software modifications per EASA guidance - No specific part numbers or quantities for hardware procurement; focus is on compliance actions, software upgrades, and system modifications - Places of Performance/Delivery: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA - FAA Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N 321, Fort Worth, TX - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Cologne, Germany

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-11-02 for certain Airbus SAS airplane models. The proposed directive requires revising the airplane flight manual and modifying the digital radio system to address unsafe conditions related to loss of radio management panel data synchronization. The proposal also includes adding new aircraft models and prohibiting installation of affected parts. Comments on the proposal are due by May 28, 2026.

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