Airbus A350s Get FAA Paperwork Nudge: Fly Safe, File More
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 operators to update their minimum equipment lists because some items don’t meet safety rules. This change follows a European safety agency’s advice and aims to keep flights safe. Comments on this proposal are open until April 21, 2025, and it could mean some paperwork updates but no big costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Fix aims to prevent reduced controllability
The FAA says the MMEL items do not meet certification requirements and, if not corrected, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Requiring the MEL revision is intended to address that unsafe condition and improve flight safety.
Operators must revise FAA-approved MELs
If you operate an Airbus A350-941 or -1041, you must revise your FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL) to incorporate changes specified in EASA AD 2024-0157. The proposed FAA AD would require that revision as the required action.
Estimated labor cost per airplane
The FAA estimates compliance will take 10 work-hours at $85/hour, for a cost of $850 per airplane to revise the MEL and comply with this proposed AD.
Specific MMEL items to be incorporated
The AD would require incorporating information from MMEL item numbers 32-42-13 (Remote Brake Control Unit Channel A), 32-51-01 (Steering Control), 27-14-01 (Outer Aileron Green Hydraulic Actuator), 27-14-02 (Outer Aileron Yellow Hydraulic Actuator), 27-14-03 (Outer Aileron Pressure Sensor), and 32-41-02 (Main Wheel Tie Bolt) into the operator's MEL, as applicable.
Number of U.S. airplanes affected and total cost
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 36 U.S.-registered Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes, with an aggregate estimated cost to U.S. operators of $30,600 (36 airplanes × $850 each).
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Key Dates
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