Rule2026-10801
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 29, 2026
Effective
July 6, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, - 113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; 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 AD was prompted by reports of broken bolts in seat rail connections of certain frames. This AD requires replacement of the nylon bushes with bronze bushes in the affected areas and also prohibits the installation of affected parts in those areas. 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 103 (Friday, May 29, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 103 (Friday, May 29, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31887-31889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-10801]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2286; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01556-T;
Amendment 39-23357; AD 2026-10-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -
113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; 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 AD was prompted
by reports of broken bolts in seat rail connections of certain frames.
This AD requires replacement of the nylon bushes with bronze bushes in
the affected areas and also prohibits the installation of affected
parts in those areas. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 6, 2026.
[[Page 31888]]
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 6,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2286; 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
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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#93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0a1a493a085819381ce8595928f9081ce8595">[email protected]</span></a>.
You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<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. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2286.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille L. Seay, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone 817-
222-5149; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8dceece0e4e1e1e8a3c1a3dee8ecf4cdebececa3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f6c4e424643434a0163017c4a4e566f494e4e01484059">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS
Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -
131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231,
-232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 10, 2026 (91 FR 11478). The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD 2025-0207R1, dated October 30, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0207R1) (also
referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states reports
were received of broken bolts in the seat rail connections in the area
of frame (FR) 47 (for Model A320 and A321 series airplanes), FR47/51
(for Model A319 series airplanes), FR47/54 (for Model A318 series
airplanes), FR35 (for Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes), and
FR35.8 (for A321 series airplanes), as applicable. This condition, if
not corrected, could lead to seat detachment and passenger injuries
under emergency landing loads.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of the nylon
bushes with bronze bushes in the affected areas and to prohibit the
installation of affected parts in those areas, as specified in EASA AD
2025-0207R1. The FAA is issuing 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-2026-2286.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Airline Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0207R1 specifies procedures for replacement of the
nylon bushes with bronze bushes in the affected areas. The replacement
includes doing a rotating probe inspection of the fastener holes for
cracking, checking the hole diameter of the bracket assemblies, seat
track, and long beam, as applicable, to determine if it is within
tolerance, checking the inner diameter of the bushing to determine if
it is within tolerance, and contacting the manufacturer for repair
instructions and doing the repair. EASA AD 2025-0207R1 also prohibits
the installation of affected parts in those areas. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,404 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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Up to 76 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $13,400.......... Up to $19,860.......... Up to $27,883,440.
$6,460.
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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 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.
[[Page 31889]]
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,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will 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.
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:
2026-10-17 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23357; Docket No. FAA-2026-2286;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01556-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 6, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; 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-
0207R1, dated October 30, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0207R1).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of broken bolts in the affected
seat rail connections of certain frames. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address broken bolts in the affected seat rail connections of
certain frames. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in seat detachment and passenger injuries under emergency landing
loads.
(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 2025-0207R1.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0207R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0207R1 refers to October 7, 2025 (the
effective date of the original issue of EASA AD 2025-0207), this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information specified in EASA AD 2025-
0207R1 specifies to contact Airbus if any cracking is found or if
any diameter is not within tolerance, this AD requires doing a
repair before further flight using a method approved by the Manager,
AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, 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) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0207R1.
(i) 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
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#67262a28242701060649000811"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b6a6664686b4d4a4a054c445d">[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 EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by
paragraphs (h)(2) and (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 L. Seay,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone 817-222-5149; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#490a28242025252c6705671a2c2830092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c7f5d51555050591270126f595d457c5a5d5d125b534a">[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 2025-0207R1,
dated October 30, 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#27666354674246544609425255485746094252"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c48580b784a1a5b7a5eaa1b1b6abb4a5eaa1b1">[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#84e2f6aaedeaf7f4e1e7f0edebeac4eae5f6e5aae3ebf2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4c2d68acdcad7d4c1c7d0cdcbcae4cac5d6c58ac3cbd2">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 13, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-10801 Filed 5-28-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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