Rule2026-04677
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
March 10, 2026
Effective
March 25, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A319-171N and -173N airplanes, Model A320-271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes, and Model A321-271N, -271NX, -271NY, -272N, and - 272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of engine stalls during takeoff in icing conditions with low visibility due to freezing fog. This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11443-11446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-04677]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2296; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01794-T;
Amendment 39-23287; AD 2026-05-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A319-171N and -173N airplanes, Model A320-271N, -272N,
and -273N airplanes, and Model A321-271N, -271NX, -271NY, -272N, and -
272NX airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of engine stalls
during takeoff in icing conditions with low visibility due to freezing
fog. This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual
(AFM). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 25, 2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 24, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-
[[Page 11444]]
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2296; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 781-
238-7655; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#402321322f2c6e2e273539252e002621216e272f36"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a292b38252664242d3f332f240a2c2b2b642d253c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-2296;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01794-T'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Carol
Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 781-238-7655; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#395a584b565517575e4c405c57795f5858175e564f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="244745564b480a4a43515d414a644245450a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2025-0275, dated December 9, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0275) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus
SAS Model A319-171N and -173N airplanes, Model A320-271N, -272N, and -
273N airplanes, and Model A321-271N, -271NX, -271NY, -272N, and -272NX
airplanes. The MCAI states that reports of engine stalls during takeoff
in icing conditions with low visibility due to icing fog (also known as
freezing fog) were received. This condition, if not corrected, could
lead to a dual engine surge in a critical flight phase. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires revising the existing AFM to incorporate a
freezing fog take-off restriction.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2025-0275 requires incorporating all procedures within the
Airbus AFM Documentary Unit (DU) 00017198.0001001, dated December 1,
2025, which includes a freezing fog take-off restriction and an updated
engine run-up procedure in ground icing conditions. The FAA has
determined that only the freezing fog take-off restriction addresses
the unsafe condition of engine stalls during takeoff in icing
conditions with low visibility due to freezing fog. However, the area
of concern for the unsafe condition is in low visibility in icing
condition, which is <150m visibility and an outside air temperature of
+ 3 [deg]C (37 [deg]F) or below. The updated run-up procedures are for
visibility of 150 m and above and an outside air temperature of + 3
[deg]C (37 [deg]F) or below, which is outside of the area of concern
for the unsafe condition. Therefore, the FAA only requires revising the
AFM to incorporate a freezing fog take-off restriction in the Normal
Procedures, Ice and Rain Protection, Ground Engine Operation in Icing
Condition section.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. The FAA might
consider further rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because engine stalls during takeoff in icing conditions with low
visibility due to freezing fog could result in a dual engine surge at a
critical phase of flight. To address this unsafe condition during cold
weather operations, the actions required by this AD must be
accomplished within 7 days, which is a shorter time period than the
time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the
final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public
comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons
[[Page 11445]]
the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 404 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85................. $0 $85 $34,340
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-05-14 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23287; Docket No. FAA-2026-2296;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01794-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 25, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A319-171N and -173N
airplanes, Model A320-271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes, and Model
A321-271N, -271NX, -271NY, -272N, and -272NX airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 72, Turbine/
turboprop engine.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of engine stalls during takeoff
in icing conditions with low visibility due to freezing fog. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a dual engine
surge in a critical flight phase.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Revision of Existing Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
Normal Procedure, Ice and Rain Protection, Ground Engine Operation
in Icing Condition section of the existing AFM, to include the
information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. This
may be accomplished by inserting a copy of figure 1 to paragraph (g)
of this AD into the existing AFM. Using an AFM revision that
includes information identical to that in figure 1 to paragraph (g)
of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirement of this
paragraph.
[[Page 11446]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR26.123
(h) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office,
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of
AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD and
email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#17565a58545771767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d3929e9c9093b5b2b2fdb4bca5">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, AIR-520,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(i) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Carol Nguyen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 781-238-7655; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#640705160b084a0a03111d010a240205054a030b12"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85e6e4f7eae9abebe2f0fce0ebc5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on March 5, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-04677 Filed 3-6-26; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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