Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Published Date: 11/25/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is requiring all Airbus A319, A320, and A321 planes with sharklets to get regular checks for cracks in the lower wing cover after tests found potential problems. These inspections start December 30, 2025, to keep flights safe and avoid costly repairs later. If issues pop up, fixes must be done quickly to keep the planes flying strong.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections for Airbus A320-family
If you operate Airbus A319, A320, or A321 airplanes with sharklets, you must start repetitive inspections for cracking in the lower wing cover beginning December 30, 2025. The inspections follow EASA AD 2024-0201R1 and cover the bottom wing area between rib 19 and rib 21, forward of stringer 8, on both left and right sides.
Estimated inspection cost per airplane
The FAA estimates each required inspection takes 6 work-hours at $85 per hour, costing $510 per airplane. The FAA estimates the total first-round cost on U.S. operators is $981,240 for the 1,924 affected U.S.-registered airplanes.
Repairs required before further flight
If an inspection finds a discrepancy, the airplane must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval. Approved repairs must include the DOA-authorized signature if approved by the DOA.
Less mandatory paperwork for clean inspections
The FAA removed a proposed requirement to submit an inspection report when no discrepancy is found. You do not have to file a specific inspection report to Airbus or the FAA if inspections find no cracks.
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