Federal Register #2026-10800

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus SAS Aircraft: Seat Rail and Cabin Attendant Seat Safety Actions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued airworthiness directives (ADs) targeting safety issues on Airbus SAS commercial aircraft: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Airbus SAS (primary OEM for A318, A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes) - Goodrich Aircraft Interior Products (OEM for cabin attendant seat track attachments) - Products/Services Requested: - Inspection, repair, and reporting actions for seat rail bolt failures on Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 series - Airframe vibration troubleshooting, including rudder servo control tests, vibration source identification, rudder weighing, paint thickness measurement, and possible rudder replacement (A319, A320, A321) - Replacement of non-compliant Goodrich cabin attendant seat track attachments and hardware on Airbus A330 and A340 series - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADs - Repairs must use methods approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval - Mandatory reporting of inspection results and completion of on-condition actions as required - Focus on preventing seat detachment and ensuring passenger safety during emergency landings and evacuations - Scope: - Applies to nearly 2,000 U.S.-registered Airbus aircraft across multiple models - No specific part numbers or procurement of new products; actions are regulatory and maintenance-focused

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. This AD addresses unsafe conditions caused by broken bolts in the affected seat rail connections of certain frames, which could result in seat detachment and passenger injuries under emergency landing loads. The directive requires airframe vibration troubleshooting after an airframe vibration event, reporting results, and applicable on-condition actions. Compliance with the AD is mandatory within specified times, and the FAA invites comments on the rule.

View original listing