Airbus A350s Must Swap Nose Gear to Fix Wear Issues
Published Date: 4/7/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes to replace certain nose landing gear parts that might wear out too soon because they missed a special treatment. This fix needs to happen before the parts get too old to keep flying safely. If you own or operate these planes, get ready to swap parts on time to keep everyone safe and avoid costly repairs later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Improved Passenger Flight Safety
The proposed AD aims to prevent failures of nose landing gear lower torque links on Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes that could occur because the parts missed bright shot peening. Replacing or restricting those parts is intended to address the unsafe condition and keep passengers safe.
Mandatory Nose-gear Part Replacement
If you own or operate Airbus A350-941 or A350-1041 airplanes, you must replace certain lower torque links of the nose landing gear that were made without bright shot peening before they exceed their reduced life limit. The FAA proposes this requirement to address the reduced fatigue life reported for those parts, and it references an EASA airworthiness directive for the specific replacement limits.
Limit on Installing Affected Parts
The rule would limit the installation of the affected lower torque links on Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes if those parts were manufactured without bright shot peening. Operators and maintenance providers must follow the installation limits specified in the EASA AD that the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference.
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Key Dates
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