FAA Updates Airbus Stabilizer Rules for Safer Flights
Published Date: 2/4/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus A330 and A340 airplanes to fix a problem with a part that helps control the plane’s stability. This update changes how some fixes are done and adds new steps for certain models to keep flights safe. Airlines need to follow these new rules soon, which might cost some time and money but will keep everyone flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Revised THSA and ELSD Safety Requirements
The FAA is replacing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-16-06 for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-900, and all A340-200 and A340-300 airplanes. You (aircraft operators and maintenance providers) must continue to modify the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) installation and implement electrical load sensing device (ELSD) wiring and activation, but now using revised procedures required by the new AD.
Additional EASA-Listed Actions Required
The new FAA AD incorporates by reference a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD and requires additional actions for certain airplanes as specified in that EASA AD. Operators of the affected Airbus airplanes must follow those additional steps in addition to the revised procedures.
Compliance Will Cost Time and Money
The rule says airlines must follow the new AD soon and that complying "might cost some time and money" while improving safety. If you operate or maintain the listed Airbus models, expect additional labor and expense to implement the revised procedures and the extra actions.
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