Federal Register #20261405

FAA Airworthiness Directive: Software Modification and Manual Revision for Airbus SAS Aircraft and Helicopters

This regulatory action from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addresses safety concerns for Airbus SAS airplanes and helicopters. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Mentioned: - Airbus SAS - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) emergency procedures for Airbus SAS Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes - Modification of Digital Radio and Audio Integrating Management System (DRAIMS) software to L4.3 standard for 544 affected Airbus SAS airplanes - Repetitive cleaning and inspection of Lighting and Ancillaries Control Unit (LACU) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, and EC130B4 - Modification of Emergency Floatation System (EFS) activation switches and revision of Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for Airbus Helicopters - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Addresses dual loss of radio management panel (RMP) data synchronization, which could result in total loss of radio communications and navigation - Prohibits installation of affected parts - Compliance with EASA AD 2025-0118R1 and referenced publications - Repetitive cleaning and inspection required for helicopter LACU until terminating actions are completed - Modifications to EFS switches are required as a terminating action - Scope: - Applies to 544 U.S.-registered Airbus SAS airplanes and multiple Airbus Helicopters models - No specific part numbers or purchase quantities provided for most items, as this is a regulatory directive - Period of Performance: - Effective date specified; compliance timelines detailed in directive - No option years or subscription terms - Business Relevance: - OEM (Airbus SAS) must provide software updates and manual revisions - Operators must implement changes and comply with inspection/modification requirements - No direct procurement opportunity; regulatory compliance required

Description

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-11-02 for certain Airbus SAS Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes, including the newly added Model A321-271NY. The AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to address dual loss of radio management panel data synchronization, modifying the digital radio and audio integrating management system (DRAIMS) software, and prohibiting installation of affected parts. This action addresses an unsafe condition that could result in total loss of radio communications, including transponder functionality and standby navigation. The AD is effective August 14, 2026.

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