Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-10802
FAA Airworthiness Directive: Inspections and Repairs for Airbus SAS A330, A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Aircraft
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted
May 29, 2026
Identifier
2026-10802
NAICS
488190
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued airworthiness directives for certain Airbus SAS A330, A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes to address structural integrity concerns. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Operational Safety Branch - OEM Highlight: - Airbus SAS - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive special detailed inspections (SDIs) of central windshield frames for Airbus A330 series - SDIs and rototest or HFEC inspections of fasteners and fastener holes for Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 series - No specific part numbers; actions are maintenance inspections and corrective repairs - Estimated 85 U.S. registered airplanes affected - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Inspections are mandated due to incorrect shot peening during production, which may reduce fatigue life - Compliance procedures reference European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADs - On-condition repairs required if cracks or defects are found - Places of Performance/Delivery: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Des Moines, WA - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Cologne, Germany (for compliance reference) - Estimated Compliance Cost: - $340 per airplane for required inspections - No procurement of new products; directive mandates maintenance actions for continued airworthiness
Description
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by the identification of an incorrect shot peening application implemented in production. It requires repetitive special detailed inspections (SDIs) of affected central windshield frames and applicable corrective actions to address the unsafe condition. The AD aims to ensure the structural integrity of the airplanes by addressing the fatigue life of the affected parts.