Rule2026-19084
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 17, 2026
Effective
October 22, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked and broken restraint brackets of the anti-ice piccolo tube found during maintenance on certain nacelle inlet cowls. This AD requires, for certain affected parts, modification of the affected part, and for certain other affected parts, repetitive special detailed inspections (SDIs) for discrepancies and, depending on findings, modification of the affected part. This AD also prohibits a certain repair on any affected part and limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. 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 179 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 179 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58812-58814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19084]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-7201; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01290-T;
Amendment 39-23464; AD 2026-18-09]
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 all
Airbus SAS Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked and broken
restraint brackets of the anti-ice piccolo tube found during
maintenance on certain nacelle inlet cowls. This AD requires, for
certain affected parts, modification of the affected part, and for
certain other affected parts, repetitive special detailed inspections
(SDIs) for discrepancies and, depending on findings, modification of
the affected part. This AD also prohibits a certain repair on any
affected part and limits the installation of affected parts under
certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-7201; 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#c18085b281a4a0b2a0efa4b4b3aeb1a0efa4b4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c8898cbb88ada9bba9e6adbdbaa7b8a9e6adbd">[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-2026-7201.
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#f2b39c869a9d9c8bdcb6dcb6979193809db2949393dc959d84"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c3d12081413120552385238191f1d0e133c1a1d1d521b130a">[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 all Airbus SAS Model
A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 airplanes. The
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2026 (91 FR
39040). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0164, dated July 29, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0164) (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 cracked and broken restraint brackets of the
anti-ice piccolo tube were reportedly found during maintenance on
certain nacelle inlet cowls. The restraint brackets act as a
precautionary measure to prevent disengagement of the thermal anti-ice
spray ring from the thermal anti-ice feed pipe in specific conditions.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a thermal
anti-ice feed pipe disengagement and decrease the effectiveness of the
thermal anti-ice system, allowing ice build-up on the inlet lip skin,
which could result in damage to the engine and reduced control of the
airplane.
[[Page 58813]]
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require, for certain affected
parts, modification of the affected part, and for certain other
affected parts, repetitive SDIs for discrepancies and, depending on
findings, modification of the affected part. The NPRM also proposed to
prohibit a certain repair on any affected part and limit the
installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified
in EASA AD 2025-0164. 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-2026-7201.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line 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 2025-0164 specifies procedures for modifying certain
affected nacelle inlet cowls, and, for certain other affected parts,
repetitive SDIs (i.e., borescope inspections) of the nacelle inlet cowl
(also known as the air inlet cowl) for discrepancies and, depending on
findings, modification of the affected part, which terminates the
repetitive inspections. Discrepancies include the thermal anti-ice feed
pipe that is fully or partially disengaged from the thermal anti-ice
spray ring; and the thermal anti-ice feed pipe that is correctly
engaged with the thermal anti-ice spray ring with one or both restraint
brackets cracked, severed, or missing. EASA AD 2025-0164 also specifies
that replacement of the affected part with a serviceable part as a
method of compliance for the modification for that affected part. EASA
AD 2025-0164 also prohibits repair FRSZ026 on any affected part and
limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions.
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 70 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 5 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $11,673.......... Up to $12,098.......... Up to $846,860.
$425.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost 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 parts
cost estimate for the optional replacement.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 5 work-hours x $85 per Up to $11,673..... Up to $12,098.
hour = $425.
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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
[[Page 58814]]
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:
2026-18-09 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23464; Docket No. FAA-2026-7201;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01290-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 22, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, A330-243F,
A330-341, A330-342, and A330-343 airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Power Plant.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked and broken restraint
brackets of the anti-ice piccolo tube found during maintenance on
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition which, if not addressed, could result in a thermal anti-
ice feed pipe disengagement and decrease the effectiveness of the
thermal anti-ice system, allowing ice build-up on the inlet lip
skin, which could result in damage to the engine and reduced control
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2025-0164, dated July 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0164).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0164
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0164 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0164 defines a serviceable part as a
``Nacelle Inlet Cowl, eligible for installation in accordance with
Airbus instructions, which is not an affected part'', for this AD
replace that text with ``Nacelle Inlet Cowl, eligible for
installation, which is not an affected part''.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0164 specifies ``any
discrepancy, as identified in the SB, is found on an affected
part'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``any discrepancy
is found on an affected part''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0164.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0164 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#d89995979b98beb9b9f6bfb7ae"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e2f23212d2e080f0f40090118">[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 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#3879564c50575641167c167c5d5b594a57785e5959165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aeefc0dac6c1c0d780ea80eacbcdcfdcc1eec8cfcf80c9c1d8">[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 2025-0164,
dated July 29, 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#b7f6f3c4f7d2d6c4d699d2c2c5d8c7d699d2c2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6">[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#ef899dc186819c9f8a8c9b868081af818e9d8ec1888099"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91f7e3bff8ffe2e1f4f2e5f8feffd1fff0e3f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 3, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19084 Filed 9-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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