FAA Targets Airbus Gear Damage From Cleaning
Published Date: 2/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 airplanes to replace certain main landing gear parts that showed damage after a special cleaning process. This fix will keep planes safe and stop damaged parts from being used again. Comments on this plan are open until April 7, 2025, and the replacement could affect maintenance schedules and costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory replacement of A350 main landing gear axles
If you operate an Airbus A350-941, you must replace affected main landing gear (MLG) bogie beam axles (part number 55-3575047-00, serial numbers listed in Appendix 1 of EASA AD 2024-0156) with a serviceable part as required by the proposed AD (EASA AD 2024-0156 incorporated by reference). The FAA proposes this action to address anodic burns found after a high velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) stripping process that could reduce fatigue life and lead to MLG structural failure.
Required timing for replacements and scheduling
For each affected part, the replacement must be done within 24,000 flight hours or 5,700 flight cycles (whichever occurs first since first installation of the affected part), or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Operators must comply with these times unless already done.
Estimated U.S. operator cost and fleet scope
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 36 U.S.-registered A350-941 airplanes. Estimated labor is up to 48 work-hours at $85/hour (up to $4,080) per airplane; the FAA estimates total cost on U.S. operators up to $146,880. The FAA states it has no definitive data on parts costs and that some or all costs may be covered under warranty by the parts manufacturer.
Prohibition on installing affected parts
The proposed AD prohibits installation of affected MLG bogie beam axles and prohibits installation of a main landing gear (MLG) that has an affected part installed. Operators may not install parts identified as 'affected' by EASA AD 2024-0156 on A350-941 airplanes.
Option to replace entire MLG or bogie beam as alternative
EASA AD 2024-0156 (incorporated by reference) approves replacing a MLG or an MLG bogie beam that has an affected axle with a MLG or bogie beam having a serviceable part installed as an approved alternative method for replacement.
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Key Dates
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