90 FR 97 pgs. 21702-21705 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Type: PRORULEVolume: 90Number: 97Pages: 21702 - 21705
Pages: 21702, 21703, 21704, 21705Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2025-0912; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00571-T]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-09129 Filed 5-20-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
[top]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0912; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00571-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of mechanical noises originating from the nose landing gear (NLG) shock absorber during ground maneuvers. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections ( i.e., steering checks) of the NLG shock absorber and applicable on-condition actions and limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 7, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202-493-2251.
• Fax: 202-493-2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
[top] AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0912; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0912.
• You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stefanie Roesli, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3964; email: stefanie.n.roesli@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2025-0912; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00571-T" at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as "PROPIN." The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Stefanie Roesli, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3964; email: stefanie.n.roesli@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0093, dated April 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0093) (also referred to as "the MCAI"), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. The MCAI reports instances of mechanical noises originating from the NLG shock absorber during ground maneuvers. Further analysis traced these noises to higher than expected friction between the lower bearing carrier (LBC) and the main fitting of the sliding tube. This friction may cause deformation of the LBC's anti-rotation tabs, leading to relative movement between the LBC and the main fitting. As a result, wear on the corrosion protection coating of the main fitting may occur due to subsequent movement of the retainer ring positioned between these components, which could lead to corrosion of the NLG main fitting.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address higher than expected friction on the NLG shock absorber LBC, which could result in deformation of the LBC's anti-rotation tabs and consequent corrosion of the NLG main fitting. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure of the NLG, which may result in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0912.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0093 specifies procedures for repetitive inspections ( i.e., steering checks) for relative movement between the LBC and the main fitting and applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition actions include activating the secondary seal, inspecting and applying torque to the nose landing gear seal changeover valve, inspecting the ring groove for corrosion, and repairing any corrosion. EASA AD 2025-0093 also requires reporting the results of each check where a discrepancy was identified to the manufacturer and limits the installation of affected parts, for airplanes with an affected part installed, unless the steering check has been completed. For airplanes that do not have an affected part installed, EASA AD 2025-0093 prohibits installing an affected part. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2025-0093 described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
[top] In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0093 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would require compliance with EASA AD 2025-0093 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0093 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0912 after the FAA final rule is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action. The manufacturer is analyzing the inspection results to assist in their ongoing investigation and help determine if further corrective actions are needed. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 33 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection | Up to 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 per inspection cycle | $0 | Up to $340 per inspection cycle | Up to $11,220 per inspection cycle. |
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any on-condition actions that would be required based on the results of the inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these actions:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrective actions | Up to 11 work-hours × $85 per hour = $935 | Up to $2,000 | Up to $2,935. |
| Reporting | 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 | $0 | $85. |
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39-AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§?39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends §?39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2025-0912; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00571-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by July 7, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
[top] This AD was prompted by reports of higher than expected friction on the nose landing gear (NLG) shock absorber lower bearing carrier (LBC), which could result in deformation of the LBC's anti-rotation tabs and consequent corrosion of the NLG main fitting. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure of
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2025-0093, dated April 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0093).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0093
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0093 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0093 refers to October 4, 2024 (the effective date of EASA AD 2024-0188), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0093 specifies "within the compliance time(s) specified therein", this AD requires replacing that text with "before further flight".
(4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0093.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0093 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the instructions identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Stefanie Roesli, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3964; email: stefanie.n.roesli@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0093, dated April 24, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations, or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on May 16, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-09129 Filed 5-20-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P