Proposed Rule2026-08594
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
May 4, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, - 231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a fatigue test that identified cracks in the forward and aft upper corner of the bulk cargo door. This proposed AD would require a rototest inspection for cracks and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 85 (Monday, May 4, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 85 (Monday, May 4, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23922-23924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08594]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-3879; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01452-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232,
and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -
231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a fatigue
test that identified cracks in the forward and aft upper corner of the
bulk cargo door. This proposed AD would require a rototest inspection
for cracks and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 18,
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-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-2026-3879; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6f2e2b1c2f0a0e1c0e410a1a1d001f0e410a1a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="df9e9bac9fbabeacbef1baaaadb0afbef1baaa">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket
No. FAA-2026-3879.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Seay, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
817-222-5149; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9fad8d4d0d5d5dc97f597eadcd8c0f9dfd8d897ded6cf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="753614181c1919105b395b2610140c351314145b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-3879;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01452-T'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, 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 proposal 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 NPRM.
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Camille Seay, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 817-222-5149; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6320020e0a0f0f064d2f4d3006021a230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8ab89858184848dc6a4c6bb8d8991a88e8989c68f879e">[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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0193, dated September 8, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0193) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -
215, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -
131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. Model A320-215
airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the
U.S. type certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not
include those airplanes in the applicability. The MCAI states that
during a fatigue test on a Model A320 airplane in support of the
[[Page 23923]]
extended service goal (ESG) campaign, cracks were identified in the
area of fastener holes at the forward and aft upper corner of the bulk
cargo door at section 16 and 17, both left-hand (LH) and right-hand
(RH) sides. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the
structural integrity of the airplane. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3879.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0193 specifies procedures for a rototest inspection
for cracks in the area of the fastener holes at the forward and aft
upper corner of the bulk cargo door at section 16 and 17, both LH and
RH sides, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions
include contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions and doing
the repair if cracks are detected, or modifying the affected area by
cold working the fastener holes if no crack is detected.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0193 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0193 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2025-0193 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0193 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-
0193. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0193 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-3879 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,069 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340........................... $0 $340 $369,460
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Estimated Costs of On-Condition Modification *
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340 $0 $340
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* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD.
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
[[Page 23924]]
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2026-3879; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-
01452-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 18, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216,
-231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -
211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2025-0193, dated September 8, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0193),
having an extended service goal (ESG) in the airworthiness
limitations section of the instructions for continued airworthiness.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a fatigue test that identified cracks in
the area of the fastener holes at the forward and aft upper corner
of the bulk cargo door at section 16 and 17. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address cracks in the forward and aft upper corner of the bulk
cargo door, which, if not addressed, could affect the structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2025-0193.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0193
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0193 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the definition of the ``affected area'' in EASA AD
2025-0193 specifies ``as defined in the SB'', this AD requires
replacing that text with ``as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-53-1303, dated March 7, 2025''.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0193 specifies ``if any
crack is detected, before next flight, contact Airbus for approved
repair instructions and, within the compliance time specified
therein accomplish those instructions accordingly'', this AD
requires replacing that text with ``if any crack is detected, the
crack must be repaired before further flight using a method approved
by the Manager, AIR-520, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0193.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR-
520, 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 the Continued Operational
Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#17565a58545771767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="73323e3c30331512125d141c05">[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, FAA;
or EASA; or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be
done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not
identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that
are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods
in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program
without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and
tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back
in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to
procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Camille Seay,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 817-222-5149; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ac9ebe7e3e6e6efa4c6a4d9efebf3caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d596b4b8bcb9b9b0fb99fb86b0b4ac95b3b4b4fbb2baa3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0193,
dated September 8, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8dccc9fecde8ecfeeca3e8f8ffe2fdeca3e8f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e3f3a0d3e1b1f0d1f501b0b0c110e1f501b0b">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on
the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92f4e0bcfbfce1e2f7f1e6fbfdfcd2fcf3e0f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="365044185f5845465355425f5958765857445718515940">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 29, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-08594 Filed 5-1-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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