FAA Limits Cargo Door Openings on Old Airbus Jets After Cracks
Published Date: 9/26/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making new rules for certain Airbus A300 and A310 airplanes because cracks were found on a key cargo door part. Pilots and maintenance crews must limit how far the cargo door opens, check the door parts regularly for cracks, and replace any cracked parts. These changes keep flights safe and need to happen on a set schedule, but they help avoid bigger, costly problems later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Cargo Door Opening Limit
If you operate certain Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series or Model A310 series airplanes, pilots and operators must follow an operational limitation that limits how far the main deck cargo door (MDCD) can open. This is a mandatory rule in the airworthiness directive for those specific airplanes.
Repetitive Visual Inspections Required
Maintenance crews for certain Airbus A300-600 and A310 airplanes must perform repetitive detailed visual inspections of the MDCD actuator bearing fittings. These inspections are required repeatedly under the airworthiness directive to check for fatigue cracking.
Replace Any Cracked Door Parts
If inspections find any cracks in the MDCD actuator bearing fittings on affected Airbus A300-600 or A310 airplanes, those parts must be replaced. Replacement is mandatory under the airworthiness directive.
Applies Only to Specific Airbus Models
The rule applies specifically to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 series airplanes (including A300-600 variants) and Model A310 series airplanes. Operators and maintenance providers of those specific models are the ones required to comply with the limitations, inspections, and replacements.
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