Airbus Landing Gear Lugs Need FAA's Visual Once-Over
Published Date: 9/3/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-112; Model A319-115, -132, and -133; Model A320-214, -216, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N; and Model A321-211, -213, -231, -271N, -251NX, -253NX, and -271NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by a quality escape identified in the production assembly line on the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lugs, which resulted in tool mark damage in the bore of the forward and aft lugs. This AD requires repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVIs) of the affected parts and applicable corrective actions. This AD also provides a one- time special detailed inspection (SDI) as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Optional one-time SDI is expensive but ends inspections
The AD allows (but does not require) a one-time special detailed inspection (SDI) as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections; the FAA notes the optional SDI labor cost up to $30,300 and parts cost up to $59,625 per airplane (document lists a cost-per-product figure of $29,325). The FAA also states it is considering further rulemaking to mandate the terminating action in the future.
Required repetitive inspections impose costs
If you operate the listed Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 models, this AD requires repetitive detailed visual inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 lugs starting with an AD effective date of September 18, 2026. The FAA estimates each required inspection takes 3 work-hours at $85/hour = $255 per airplane; the rule affects 29 U.S.-registered airplanes (total estimated cost on U.S. operators: $7,395).
Manufacturer may cover some repair costs
According to the manufacturer, some or all costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA states it does not control warranty coverage and included all known costs in its estimate.
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