Federal Register #FAA20268795

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Airbus SAS A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

This opportunity involves a proposed airworthiness directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, targeting Airbus SAS A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Department of Transportation (DOT) - Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section - OEM Highlight: - Airbus SAS is the primary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) referenced - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of fire panels on affected Airbus SAS airplanes - Estimated quantity: 125 units - General visual inspection of fire panels for damage (scratches, dents, bent metal, worn corners, misaligned red guard) - Estimated quantity: 1,871 units - Reporting inspection results to Airbus SAS - Estimated quantity: 1,871 reports - Unique Requirements: - Compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 20250274R1 - Limits installation of affected fire panels under certain conditions - Requires reporting all inspection results to Airbus SAS - No specific part numbers provided for fire panels - FAA estimates directive will affect 1,996 U.S.-registered airplanes - Notable Safety Concern: - Addressing engine fire switch self-releasing, which can cause uncommanded in-flight engine shutdowns - No explicit contract period; compliance actions must be completed within specified times after final rule publication

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes due to reports of engine fire switch self-releasing, which can cause an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown. The proposed AD requires replacement of certain fire panels for some airplanes and a general visual inspection of fire panels with applicable on-condition actions for others. It also limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The directive aims to enhance safety by addressing this unsafe condition and is open for public comments until October 19, 2026.

View original listing