Federal Register #2026-17-01

FAA Airworthiness Directive: Mandatory Inspections for Airbus A320/A321 Cargo Door Cracks

This opportunity summary covers a new airworthiness directive (AD) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Airbus SAS A320 and A321 airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Office: Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEM Highlight: - Airbus SAS is the sole Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) referenced - Products/Services Requested: - Rototest inspections for cracks in the forward and aft upper corners of the bulk cargo door (sections 16 and 17) on affected Airbus A320 and A321 models - On-condition actions, including repairs or modifications, if cracks are detected - Total affected aircraft: 1,069 U.S.-registered airplanes - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with inspection and repair procedures as specified in referenced EASA and Airbus documentation - The directive is a mandatory safety requirement, not a procurement of new products or parts - No specific part numbers or quantities of replacement parts are requested; the focus is on inspection and corrective action - Competing OEMs: - None, as the directive applies specifically to Airbus SAS aircraft and references only Airbus procedures

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A320 and A321 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a fatigue test that identified cracks in the forward and aft upper corner of the bulk cargo door. It requires a rototest inspection for cracks and applicable on-condition actions to address the unsafe condition. The AD is effective October 1, 2026, and aims to ensure the structural integrity of the affected airplanes.

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