Airbus A330s Face New Anti-Ice Bracket Checks
Published Date: 6/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A330-200 series planes to fix or regularly check certain parts that keep the anti-ice system safe because some brackets have cracked or broken. They’re banning a specific repair and limiting part installations to keep flights safe. Airlines need to act soon and send feedback by August 13, 2026, which might cost some time and money but keeps everyone flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required Inspections and Modifications
If you operate Airbus Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, or A330-343 airplanes, this proposed AD would require modifying certain affected parts and doing repetitive special detailed inspections (borescope inspections) for discrepancies per EASA AD 2025-0164 (dated July 29, 2025). If issues are found, the AD requires modification or replacement of the affected part, and modification can terminate the repetitive inspections.
Estimated Compliance Costs
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 70 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates a cost per airplane of up to $12,098 (labor up to 5 work-hours at $85/hour = $425, plus parts up to $11,673), and a total cost on U.S. operators of up to $846,860. Optional actions are estimated at $340 labor per product (4 work-hours at $85/hour), and on-condition actions are estimated up to $12,098 per product.
Repair Ban and Installation Limits
The proposed AD explicitly prohibits repair FRSZ026 on any affected nacelle inlet cowl part and limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in EASA AD 2025-0164 (dated July 29, 2025). These prohibitions and installation limits apply to the listed Airbus A330 models covered by the AD.
Manufacturer Reporting Not Required
Although EASA AD 2025-0164 specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA proposed AD states it does not include that reporting requirement. Operators would not be required by this FAA AD to submit those specified reports to the manufacturer.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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