Federal Register #FAA-2026-3485

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Airbus A321neo Aircraft

This opportunity involves a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) targeting specific Airbus A321neo aircraft models due to a manufacturing deviation impacting structural integrity. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation (DOT) - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Aircraft Certification Service, Continued Operational Safety Branch - OEM Highlight: - Airbus SAS is the primary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) affected by this directive - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive inspections for the nominal design condition of fastener holes in the center fuselage frame foot joint connections on Airbus A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX models - Inspections for cracking and on-condition repairs as necessary, including rototest inspections and corrective actions - Optional terminating action (repair procedures that end the need for repetitive inspections) - All procedures must comply with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0067 - Quantities: - 22 U.S.-registered Airbus A321neo aircraft are affected - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with EASA AD 2025-0067 procedures - On-condition repairs require contacting Airbus for approved instructions - The directive is focused on maintaining airworthiness and safety, not on procuring specific parts - Estimated Costs: - $1,955 per airplane for required inspections - Up to $5,984 per airplane for on-condition repairs - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, Des Moines, WA - FAA Aviation Safety Engineer Office, Westbury, NY

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes due to a detected deviation in the manufacturing cold working process. The directive requires repetitive inspections of fastener holes in the center fuselage frame foot joint connections and inspections for cracking, with corrective actions as necessary. This aims to address potential unsafe conditions that could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. Comments on the proposed directive are due by June 1, 2026.

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