Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Published Date: 1/30/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes by adding stricter maintenance checks and including two new models. These changes help keep flights safe and require airlines to revise their inspection programs soon. Comments on this proposal are open until March 16, 2026, and while it may cost some money, it’s all about making sure planes stay in top shape.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators Must Revise Maintenance Programs
If you operate affected Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or export certificate issued on or before November 28, 2024, you must revise your maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations specified in EASA AD 2025-0032 and EASA AD 2024-0046. You must complete the revision within 90 days after the effective date of this AD and comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c). If prior modifications prevent doing the required actions, you must request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC).
FAA Cost Estimates for Operators
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 1,920 U.S.-registered airplanes. The agency estimates the retained actions from AD 2024-24-10 will cost a per-operator average of $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per hour) and estimates the new proposed actions will also cost a per-operator average of $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per hour).
Two Airbus Models Added
The proposed AD would add Model A319-173N and Model A321-253NY airplanes to the list of affected airplanes. Operators of these two models (with original certificates on or before November 28, 2024) would be newly required to incorporate the same new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations into their maintenance or inspection programs.
Newer Airplanes Not Included
Airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued after November 28, 2024, are not included in the applicability of this proposed AD. Those newer airplanes must comply with the airworthiness limitations specified as part of the approved type design and referenced on the type certificate data sheet instead.
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