Rule2026-11511
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
June 9, 2026
Effective
July 14, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a manufacturing investigation that found improper application of the fastener retorque process at the center wing box (CWB) and belly fairing (BF) junctions could lead to insufficient clamping. This AD requires replacing each affected part and applying additional head nut cap protection. 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 110 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34750-34752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11511]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-3475; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01561-T;
Amendment 39-23374; AD 2026-12-04]
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 A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
manufacturing investigation that found improper application of the
fastener retorque process at the center wing box (CWB) and belly
fairing (BF) junctions could lead to insufficient clamping. This AD
requires replacing each affected part and applying additional head nut
cap protection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 14, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 14,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3475; 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#d49590a794b1b5a7b5fab1a1a6bba4b5fab1a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3170754271545042501f5444435e41501f5444">[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-2026-3475.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony DeCaro, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-
627-5374; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99f8f7edf1f6f7e0b7fdb7fdfcfaf8ebf6d9fff8f8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4a5aab0acabaabdeaa0eaa0a1a7a5b6ab84a2a5a5eaa3abb2">[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 A350-941 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on April 3, 2026 (91 FR 16867). The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD 2025-0209, dated September 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0209) (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 that
during manufacturing investigation of an early production A350-941
airplane, it was found that improper application of the fastener
retorque process at the CWB and BF junctions could lead to insufficient
clamping. Fasteners with part number EN6115 code B were particularly
susceptible to rotation, and if not torqued correctly, could
potentially compromise structural integrity and compliance with the
electromagnetic hazard requirements of the airplane. This condition, if
not corrected, could, in the case of a fuel leak, create a source of
ignition, possibly resulting in an uncontrolled fire.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing affected
fasteners installed on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides of
the CWB and BF junctions and applying additional head nut cap
protection, as specified in EASA AD 2025-0209. 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-2026-3475.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) that they supported the NPRM.
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 2025-0209 specifies procedures for replacing affected
fasteners installed on the LH and RH sides of the CWB and BF junctions
and applying additional head nut cap protection.
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 2 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 34751]]
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 68 work hours x $85 per hour = Up to $940............. Up to $6,720........... Up to $13,440.
$5,780.
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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,
(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:
2026-12-04 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23374; Docket No. FAA-2026-3475;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01561-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 14, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0209, dated September 24, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0209).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a manufacturing investigation that found
improper application of the fastener retorque process at the center
wing box (CWB) and belly fairing (BF) junctions could lead to
insufficient clamping. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
improperly torqued fasteners that could lead to insufficient
clamping and potentially compromise the airplane's structural
integrity and compliance with electromagnetic hazard requirements.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could, in case of a fuel
leak, create a source of ignition and possibly result in an
uncontrolled fire.
(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 2025-0209.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0209
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0209 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the definition of ``Affected parts'' in EASA AD 2025-
0209 specifies ``as specified in the SB'', this AD requires
replacing that text with ``as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin
A350-57-P093, dated June 17, 2025''.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0209.
(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#c584888a8685a3a4a4eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c88985878b88aea9a9e6afa7be">[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 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 Anthony DeCaro,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 562-627-5374; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90f1fee4f8fffee9bef4bef4f5f3f1e2ffd0f6f1f1bef7ffe6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="066768726e69687f2862286263656774694660676728616970">[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.
[[Page 34752]]
(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 2025-0209,
dated September 24, 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#0d4c497e4d686c7e6c2368787f627d6c236878"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cf8e8bbc8faaaebcaee1aababda0bfaee1aaba">[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#0c6a7e2265627f7c696f786563624c626d7e6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9afce8b4f3f4e9eafff9eef3f5f4daf4fbe8fbb4fdf5ec">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on June 4, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-11511 Filed 6-8-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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