Rule2026-18055
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
September 3, 2026
Effective
September 18, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the detection of missing chamfers under the heads of critical fasteners on the primary structure of both pylons. This AD requires an inspection of the fasteners in the affected areas and corrective actions if necessary. 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 170 (Thursday, September 3, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 170 (Thursday, September 3, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56581-56583]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-18055]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-8787; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00836-T;
Amendment 39-23452; AD 2026-17-09]
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
certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
the detection of missing chamfers under the heads of critical fasteners
on the primary structure of both pylons. This AD requires an inspection
of the fasteners in the affected areas and corrective actions if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 18, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
18, 2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 19, 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-2026-8787; 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.
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#2e6f6a5d6e4b4f5d4f004b5b5c415e4f004b5b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4203063102272331236c2737302d32236c2737">[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-2026-8787.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Younglove, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3644; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6a7a8a2b4a3b1e8a3e8bfa9b3a8a1aaa9b0a386a0a7a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c0d02081e091b420942150319020b00031a092c0a0d0d420b031a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-8787; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-00836-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
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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 Andrew Younglove, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3644; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2f4e414b5d4a58014a0156405a41484340594a6f494e4e01484059"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8eefe0eafcebf9a0eba0f7e1fbe0e9e2e1f8ebcee8efefa0e9e1f8">[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 2025-0106, dated May 7, 2025 (EASA
AD 2025-0106) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes. The MCAI
states that during visual inspections, missing chamfers under the heads
of critical fasteners on the primary structure of both the left-hand
(LH) and right-hand (RH) pylons of A350-1041 airplanes were detected.
This discrepancy could be attributed to a programming error or improper
maintenance of cutting tools, which could result in improper fastener
installation, potentially compromising the long-term structural
integrity of the pylon. This condition, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to reduced fatigue life, which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
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-2026-8787.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0106 specifies procedures for conducting a detailed
inspection of the gap under the fastener heads in the affected areas
(i.e., primary structure of the LH and RH pylons) and corrective
actions if any discrepancy (i.e., the gap is not within the allowable
limits) is detected. Corrective actions include contacting the
manufacturer for repair instructions and doing the repair. 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 AD
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2025-0106 described previously, except for any differences identified
as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 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,
EASA AD 2025-0106 is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD
requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-0106 in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as
the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0106 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
2025-0106. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0106 for compliance will
be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-8787 after
this AD is published.
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.
There are currently no domestic operators of these products.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the
foregoing reason(s), 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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the 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 notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply with
this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680... $0 $680
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue
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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:
2026-17-09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23452; Docket No. FAA-2026-8787;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00836-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 18,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-1041 airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0106, dated May 7, 2025 (EASA
AD 2025-0106).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the detection of missing chamfers under
the heads of critical fasteners on the primary structure of both
pylons. The FAA is issuing this AD to address missing chamfers on
the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) pylons. This condition, if
not detected and corrected, could lead to reduced fatigue life,
which could adversely 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 2025-0106.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0106
(1) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0106 specifies ``any
discrepancy is detected'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``the gap under any fastener head in the affected areas is not
within the allowable limits''.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0106.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0106 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(j) 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 (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cb8a8684888badaaaae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="befff3f1fdfed8dfdf90d9d1c8">[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
paragraphs (i) and (j)(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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Andrew Younglove,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3644; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#264748425443510843085f495348414a4950436640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cdaca3a9bfa8bae3a8e3b4a2b8a3aaa1a2bba88dabacace3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2025-0106,
dated May 7, 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#edaca99ead888c9e8cc388989f829d8cc38898"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f3b2b780b396928092dd9686819c8392dd9686">[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#6305114d0a0d10130600170a0c0d230d0211024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5b3a7fbbcbba6a5b0b6a1bcbabb95bbb4a7b4fbb2baa3">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on August 20, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-18055 Filed 9-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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