Federal Register #2026-10801

FAA Directive: Replacement of Seat Rail Bushes on Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing an airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes due to safety concerns with seat rail connections. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs and Vendors: - Airbus SAS (primary OEM for affected aircraft) - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of nylon bushes with bronze bushes in seat rail connections - Applies to 1,404 U.S.-registered Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft - Estimated compliance cost up to $19,860 per aircraft - Inspection for cracking, checking hole diameters, and repairs as specified in EASA AD 20250207R1 - Prohibition of installation of previously affected nylon bush parts - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Mandatory replacement of specific bushings to address broken bolts and prevent seat detachment - Compliance with procedures outlined in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 20250207R1 - Directive aims to prevent unsafe conditions that could lead to passenger injury - Additional Context: - FAA directive references EASA AD for detailed procedures - No specific contract duration or option years; compliance required within specified times in the directive

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of broken bolts in seat rail connections of certain frames. It requires replacement of the nylon bushes with bronze bushes in the affected areas and prohibits the installation of affected parts in those areas to address the unsafe condition. The AD is effective July 6, 2026, and applies to airplanes certificated in any category as identified in EASA AD 20250207R1 dated October 30, 2025.

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