FAA Orders Airbus Planes to Inspect Cargo Stretch Marks
Published Date: 4/21/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 planes to get checked for a possible problem found during heavy maintenance. They found some parts in the cargo area might be stretched out and need regular inspections and fixes to keep flying safe. Comments on this plan are open until June 5, 2025, and airlines should be ready for these checks soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Prevents avionics loss and reduced control
The unsafe condition found during heavy maintenance—elongation of the vertical member assembly at FR 24A—could allow affected parts to hit the 80VU rack and cause loss of several 80VU computers, leading to multiple system failures or partial disconnection and reduced control of the airplane. The proposed AD aims to detect and correct that damage to prevent those outcomes.
Estimated fleet size and repair costs for U.S. operators
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 1,938 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates the required action costs $85 per airplane (1 work-hour at $85), totalling $164,730 across U.S. operators. On-condition corrective actions (if damage is found) are estimated up to 8 work-hours plus parts up to $614, for an estimated on-condition cost per airplane of up to $1,294.
Mandatory inspections and repairs for A320 family
This proposed AD would require operators of Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes to check maintenance records for certain repairs and, as applicable, perform repetitive detailed visual inspections of the vertical member upper part and the upper fittings at frame (FR) 24A in the forward cargo compartment. Depending on inspection results, corrective actions include repairing damage, installing new or retained vertical members and new guiding nuts, and replacing damaged upper fittings; the required procedures are specified in Airbus Service Bulletins A320-25-1CFU and A320-25-1CFV (both dated September 26, 2024).
Required compliance timing and repeat intervals
The initial compliance time is the later of: before exceeding 30,000 flight hours since first flight, 15,000 flight cycles since first flight, or 72 months since airplane date of manufacture, whichever occurs first; and in all cases within 36 months. If inspections are applicable, the inspections must be repeated at intervals not to exceed 30,000 flight hours, 15,000 flight cycles, or 72 months, whichever occurs first.
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Key Dates
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