# Federal Register #FAA20268802

FAA proposes airworthiness directive for Airbus Defence and Space GmbH airplanes addressing rudder drive corrosion.

**Buyer:** Federal Aviation Administration
**Posted:** September 15, 2026
**Respond By:** October 30, 2026
**Identifier:** FAA20268802
**NAICS:** 488190

This opportunity involves a proposed airworthiness directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) targeting corrosion issues in the rudder drive of specific Airbus Defence and Space GmbH airplane models.
- Government Buyer:
  - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (primary OEM)
- Products/Services Requested:
  - Repetitive inspection of rudder drive torsion tube for corrosion and drainage hole blockage
  - Application of corrosion inhibitor to rudder drive
  - Replacement of rudder drive if corrosion is detected
  - Compliance with Airbus Service Bulletins BO208SB002/2025, Issue 1, and BO209SB002/2025, Issue 2
- Product Line Items:
  - Rudder drive inspection and corrosion inhibitor application for 5 affected U.S. airplanes
  - Rudder drive replacement (on-condition, as needed)
- Unique or Notable Requirements:
  - Use of endoscope for inspection
  - Prohibition on installation of non-serviceable rudder drive parts
  - Option to use equivalent corrosion inhibitors
  - Repetitive inspections required every 5 years, with initial compliance within 2 months after directive effective date
  - Only airplanes with an FAA type certificate are affected
- Estimated Costs:
  - Inspection and inhibitor application: labor and materials per airplane
  - Rudder drive replacement: estimated at 15 work-hours and $1,000 per product
- Compliance affects 5 U.S. registered airplanes

### Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Model BO-209-150 FF, BO-209-150 FV, BO-209-150 RV, BO-209-160 FV, BO-209-160 RV, and Bölkow Jr. airplanes. This AD addresses corrosion damage on the rudder drive by requiring repetitive inspections, corrective actions including replacement if corrosion is detected, and application of a corrosion inhibitor. It also prohibits installation of affected parts to ensure safety and maintain structural integrity of the rudder drive, preventing reduced control of the airplane.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/15/2026-18850/airworthiness-directives-airbus-defence-and-space-gmbh-airplanes)