FAA Updates Airbus Landing Gear Inspection Rules Again
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-25- 06, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318 and A320 series airplanes; and Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, - 133, -151N, -153N, and -171N airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, - 251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, -272NX, and -253NY airplanes. AD 2024- 25-06 required repetitive inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) door actuators and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, and prohibited the installation of affected parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-05-06, the FAA determined that replacing the MLG door actuators is necessary to address the unsafe condition, and the applicability and definition of an affected part must be expanded. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2024-25-06, requires replacing affected parts with serviceable parts, and expands the applicability and definition of an affected part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandated replacement of MLG actuators
The AD requires replacing affected main landing gear (MLG) door actuators with serviceable parts and prohibits installation of affected parts. Replacing each affected actuator on the airplane terminates the repetitive inspections required by the prior AD.
Parts and replacement cost burden
The FAA estimates replacement of an MLG door actuator costs about $9,579 per product (3 work-hours × $85 = $255 labor plus $9,324 parts). On‑condition replacement is estimated at $9,919 (7 work-hours × $85 = $595 labor plus $9,324 parts). The FAA estimates this AD affects 1,933 U.S. airplanes and lists a fleet replacement cost entry of $18,516,207.
Repetitive inspections remain required
The AD continues the repetitive inspections of MLG door actuators required by AD 2024-25-06. The FAA specifies the inspections per EASA AD 2025-0158R1 and retains inspection steps until each affected actuator is replaced.
Applicability expanded to more Airbus models
This AD expands the applicability to include additional Airbus models and serial-numbered parts (for example, adding Model A319-173N and Model A321-271NY to the list). Aircraft owners/operators of newly listed models are now subject to the inspection and replacement requirements.
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