Airbus Doors Get Inspection Loophole: FAA Eases Up Slightly
Published Date: 5/22/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus A318 to A321 airplanes to keep their main landing gear doors safe and secure. They’re still asking for regular checks but now offer a new fix that can stop these checks for good. Airlines need to act soon to avoid safety risks, but the new option could save time and money in the long run.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repetitive landing-gear inspections required
The FAA is reiterating the requirements from Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-02-14 that operators of certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 models must perform repetitive inspections for cracking, damage, correct installation, and correct adjustment of the main landing gear (MLG) door hinge and actuator fittings on the keel beam, take corrective actions if needed, and revise the maintenance or inspection program as applicable. The listed models include A318 series; A319-111 through -133; A320-211 through -233; and A321-111 through -232.
Optional new-design fix can stop checks
The AD adds an optional terminating action: a new design of the MLG door keel beam hinge and actuator fitting has been developed, and installing that new design ends the need for the repetitive inspections required by AD 2015-02-14. Operators of the affected Airbus A318–A321 models may choose to install the new fittings to stop the recurring inspection requirement.
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