Federal Register #FAA-2026-8806

FAA Airworthiness Directive: Maintenance Program Update for Airbus A300-600 Series

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS A300-600 series airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEM Highlight: - Airbus SAS is the manufacturer of the affected aircraft - Scope of Directive: - Applies to all Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R series, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (A300-600 series) - Affects approximately 120 U.S.-registered airplanes - Requirements: - Operators must revise their maintenance or inspection programs - Incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations - Requirements are specified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 20250214 - Focus is on addressing fatigue cracking in principal structural elements - No specific parts or hardware are being procured; the requirement is for compliance with updated maintenance protocols - Operators may request approval for alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) - Cost Estimate: - Average compliance cost is estimated at $7,650 per operator - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Adherence to EASA AD 20250214, with certain exceptions and provisions for AMOCs - The directive is preventive, aiming to ensure continued structural integrity through updated inspection and maintenance procedures

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations to address fatigue cracking in principal structural elements. The directive aims to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplanes. Comments on the proposed AD must be received by October 26, 2026.

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