Federal Register #FAA20263485

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus SAS A321 and Airbus Helicopters AS350/AS332 Models

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued airworthiness directives (ADs) targeting specific Airbus SAS and Airbus Helicopters models to address identified safety concerns. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs Involved: - Airbus SAS (manufacturer of A321 series airplanes) - Airbus Helicopters (manufacturer of AS350 and AS332 series helicopters) - Products/Services and Affected Models: - Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, -272NX airplanes - Repetitive inspections and corrective actions for fastener holes and frame foot joint connections (22 aircraft affected) - Airbus Helicopters Models AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D - Correction of cargo hook non-conformity to prevent loosening and load loss - Airbus Helicopters Models AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1 - Modification of release or jettison systems for cabin lateral sliding plug doors - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with referenced European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directives for inspection and repair procedures - Repetitive inspections required until corrective actions are completed - No procurement of new products or services; these are regulatory compliance actions for existing aircraft - No specific part numbers or purchase quantities for new equipment; actions focus on inspection, repair, and modification of existing components

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by a review of the cold working process on the assembly line that detected a deviation to the manufacturing process. It requires repetitive inspections for the nominal design condition of the fastener holes in certain center fuselage frame foot joint connections and, as applicable, an inspection for cracking at the frame foot joint connections and corrective actions. The AD aims to address the unsafe condition on these products to prevent potential structural failure due to cracks or deviations in the fuselage frame joints, ensuring continued safety of the affected aircraft models.

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