Proposed Rule2026-18375
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 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of failure of hydraulic engine driven pumps (EDPs) of the standard EDP-06. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane configuration, modifying the hydraulic monitoring and control application (HMCA), accomplishing applicable concurrent requirements, revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM), and replacing affected parts. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts and prohibit the installation of certain HMCA software. 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 173 (Wednesday, September 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 173 (Wednesday, September 9, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57275-57278]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-18375]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-8800; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00175-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 A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of failure of hydraulic engine
driven pumps (EDPs) of the standard EDP-06. This proposed AD would
require, depending on airplane configuration, modifying the hydraulic
monitoring and control application (HMCA), accomplishing applicable
concurrent requirements, revising the existing airplane flight manual
(AFM), and replacing affected parts. This proposed AD would also
prohibit the installation
[[Page 57276]]
of affected parts and prohibit the installation of certain HMCA
software. 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 October 26,
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-2026-8800; 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#06474275466367756728637374697667286373"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5312172013363220327d3626213c23327d3626">[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-2026-8800.
<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: Aaron Nguyen, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 817-
222-5134; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f998988b9697d78dd7979e8c809c97b99f9898d79e968f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ec8d8d9e8382c298c2828b99958982ac8a8d8dc28b839a">[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-2026-8800;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00175-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 Aaron
Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 817-222-5134; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0a1a1b2afaeeeb4eeaea7b5b9a5ae80a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fa9b9b889594d48ed4949d8f839f94ba9c9b9bd49d958c">[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 2026-0074, dated April 8, 2026 (AD
2026-0074) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041
airplanes. The MCAI states that occurrences were reported of failure of
hydraulic EDPs of the standard EDP-06. The consequent high friction and
subsequent damage to the EDP could lead to overheating the EDP case
drain (CD).
The FAA is proposing this AD to address failure of hydraulic EDPs
of the standard EDP-06. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in high friction and subsequent damage to the EDP that could
lead to overheating the EDP CD. Repeated overheating may result in
uncontrolled heat transfer to the fuel tank, creating a potential
ignition hazard, while simultaneously degrading pump performance and
potentially leading to loss of hydraulic function, which may lead to
the loss of critical systems.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-8800.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2026-0074, dated April 8, 2026, specifies procedures for,
depending on airplane configuration, modifying the wiring of the HMCA,
updating the HMCA (SW) to S6.0, accomplishing applicable concurrent
requirements (i.e., doing modifications to install avionics system
upgrades), revising the existing AFM by incorporating the applicable
AFM documentary unit revision, and replacing affected parts with
approved parts. EASA AD 2026-0074 also prohibits the installation of
affected parts and prohibits the installation of HMCA SW S5.0 or
earlier on any airplane.
EASA AD 2026-0074 also notes that accomplishing the modification
specified in paragraph (1) of its AD is acceptable for compliance with
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2018-0178, dated August 23, 2018 (which
corresponds to paragraph (h) of FAA AD 2018-19-19, Amendment 39-19419
(83 FR 48203, September 24, 2018)).
EASA AD 2026-0074 also notes that accomplishing the modification
specified in paragraph (6) of its AD is acceptable for compliance with
paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2018-0178, dated August 23, 2018 (which
corresponds to paragraph (g) of FAA AD 2019-03-08, Amendment 39-19560
(84 FR 6067, February 26, 2019)).
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
[[Page 57277]]
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 2026-0074 described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Compliance With AFM Revisions
EASA AD 2026-0074 requires operators to ``inform all flight crews''
of revisions to the AFM, and thereafter to ``operate the aeroplane
accordingly.'' However, this proposed AD would not specifically require
those actions as those actions are already required by FAA regulations.
FAA regulations require operators furnish to pilots any changes to the
AFM (for example, 14 CFR 121.137), and to ensure the pilots are
familiar with the AFM (for example, 14 CFR 91.505). As with any other
flightcrew training requirement, training on the updated AFM content is
tracked by the operators and recorded in each pilot's training record,
which is available for the FAA to review. FAA regulations also require
pilots to follow the procedures in the existing AFM including all
updates. Section 91.9 requires that any person operating a civil
aircraft must comply with the operating limitations specified in the
AFM.
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 2026-0074 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2026-0074 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 2026-0074 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 2026-
0074. Material required by EASA AD 2026-0074 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-8800 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 36 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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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 84 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $9,228 *......... Up to $16,368.......... Up to $589,248.
$7,140.
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* The FAA has received no definite data on the parts costs for the replacement of affected parts with approved
parts.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the parts manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs
of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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.
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-2026-8800; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-
00175-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 26, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2018-19-19, Amendment 39-19419 (83 FR 48203,
September 24, 2018) (AD 2018-19-19); and AD 2019-03-08, Amendment
39-19560 (84 FR 6067, February 26, 2019) (AD 2019-03-08).
[[Page 57278]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0074, dated April 8,
2026 (EASA AD 2026-0074).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code, 29; Hydraulic
power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of failure of hydraulic engine
driven pumps (EDPs) of the standard EDP-06. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address failure of EDPs of the standard EDP-06. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in high friction and
subsequent damage to the EDP that could lead to overheating the EDP
case drain. Repeated overheating may result in uncontrolled heat
transfer to the fuel tank, creating a potential ignition hazard,
while simultaneously degrading pump performance and potentially
leading to loss of hydraulic function, which may lead to the loss of
critical systems.
(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 2026-0074.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0074
(1) Where EASA AD 2026-0074 refers to February 26, 2025 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2025-0035), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2026-0074 refers to July 30, 2025 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2025-0139), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2026-0074 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2026-0074 specifies to
``implement the AFM DU revision, as defined in this AD'', this AD
requires replacing that text with ``revise the existing AFM to
incorporate the information in the AFM DU revision, as defined in
this AD''.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2026-0074 specifies to
``inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the aeroplane
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions as those
actions are already required by existing FAA operating regulations.
(6) Where paragraph (9) of EASA AD 2026-0074 specifies that
``Installing HMCA SW standard later than S6.0 on an aeroplane, in
accordance with Airbus approved instructions, is an acceptable
method to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) of this AD
for that aeroplane'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``Installing HMCA SW standard later than S6.0 on an airplane, 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), is an acceptable method to comply with
the requirements of paragraph (1) of this AD for that airplane. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature''.
(7) Where paragraph (10) of EASA AD 2026-0074 specifies that
``Modification of an aeroplane by installing EDP approved later than
EDP P/N 53098-07, eligible for installation in accordance with
approved Airbus maintenance instructions, is an acceptable method to
comply with the requirements of paragraph (6) of this AD for that
aeroplane'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``Modification of an airplane by installing EDP approved later than
EDP P/N 53098-07, eligible for installation, is an acceptable method
to comply with the requirements of paragraph (6) of this AD for that
airplane''.
(8) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2026-0074.
(i) Terminating Action for AD 2018-19-19 and AD 2019-03-08
Accomplishing the modification specified in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2026-0074 terminates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2018-19-19.
Accomplishing the modification specified in paragraph (6) of
EASA AD 2026-0074 terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of
FAA AD 2019-03-08.
(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#7a3b3735393a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="afeee2e0ecefc9cece81c8c0d9">[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
paragraph (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: Aaron Nguyen,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 817-222-5134; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe9f9f8c9190d08ad090998b879b90be989f9fd0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="117070637e7f3f653f7f766468747f517770703f767e67">[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 2026-0074,
dated April 8, 2026.
(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#80c1c4f3c0e5e1f3e1aee5f5f2eff0e1aee5f5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2465605764414557450a4151564b54450a4151">[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#1d7b6f3374736e6d787e697472735d737c6f7c337a726b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f69084d89f9885869395829f9998b698978497d8919980">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 3, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-18375 Filed 9-8-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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