Rule2026-21325
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
October 19, 2026
Effective
November 23, 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, A330-343, A330-841, and A330-941 airplanes; and Model A340-211, A340-212, A340- 213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of leaks on closed fuel low pressure shut-off valves (LPSOVs). This AD requires repetitive leak checks of certain fuel LPSOVs and replacement of an affected part if any discrepancy is detected. This AD also allows the installation of an affected part under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 200 (Monday, October 19, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 200 (Monday, October 19, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65952-65954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-21325]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-8780; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00262-T;
Amendment 39-23492; AD 2026-21-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343,
A330-841, and A330-941 airplanes; and Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-
213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of leaks on closed fuel low pressure
shut-off valves (LPSOVs). This AD requires repetitive leak checks of
certain fuel LPSOVs and replacement of an affected part if any
discrepancy is detected. This AD also allows the installation of an
affected part under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 23, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 23,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-8780; 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#1f5e5b6c5f7a7e6c7e317a6a6d706f7e317a6a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1e0e5d2e1c4c0d2c08fc4d4d3ced1c08fc4d4">[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 98198. 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-2026-8780.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony D. 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#40012e34282f2e396e046e04252321322f002621216e272f36"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d293bca6babdbcabfc96fc96b7b1b3a0bd92b4b3b3fcb5bda4">[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-
[[Page 65953]]
243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, A330-841, and A330-941
airplanes; and Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312,
A340-313, A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes. The NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on August 13, 2026 (91 FR 52269). The NPRM was
prompted by EASA AD 2026-0060R1, dated June 9, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-
0060R1) (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 occurrences of leaks on closed fuel LPSOVs were reported
due to the LPSOV failing to seal. Depending on its amount, a fuel leak
from an LPSOV could sustain a fire. This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to the inability to extinguish a fire and result
in significant damage to airplane structure or systems.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive leak checks of
certain fuel LPSOVs and replacement of an affected part if any
discrepancy is detected, as specified in EASA AD 2026-0060R1. The NPRM
also proposed to allow the installation of an affected part under
certain conditions, as specified in EASA AD 2026-0060R1. 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-2026-8780.
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 2026-0060R1 specifies procedures for repetitive leak checks
of the fuel LPSOVs to confirm that the LPSOV isolates the fuel supply
to the associated engine, and replacement of an affected part if any
discrepancy is detected (e.g., any leak is found). EASA AD 2026-0060R1
also allows the installation of an affected part under certain
conditions. EASA AD 2026-0060R1 also provides acceptable methods of
compliance for the actions.
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 115 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 8 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 Up to $680................... Up to $78,200.
= $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required action. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425..... $10,000 $10,425
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 65954]]
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:
2026-21-03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23492; Docket No. FAA-2026-8780;
Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00262-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 23,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343,
A330-841, and A330-941 airplanes.
(2) Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312,
A340-313, A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of leaks on closed fuel low
pressure shut-off valves (LPSOVs) due to the LPSOV failing to seal.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address such leaks, which, depending
on the amount of the leak, could sustain a fire. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could lead to the inability to
extinguish a fire and result in significant damage to airplane
structure or systems.
(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
2026-0060R1, dated June 9, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0060R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0060R1
(1) Where Table 1 of EASA AD 2026-0060R1 specifies a compliance
time of between November 12, 2025, and March 3, 2029, this AD
requires accomplishing the initial leak check within 35 months after
the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2026-0060R1 refers to April 3, 2026 (the
effective date of the original issue of EASA AD 2026-0060), this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2026-0060R1 defines a serviceable part as
``Any fuel LPSOV eligible for installation in accordance with Airbus
instructions'', for this AD, replace that text with ``Any fuel LPSOV
eligible for installation''.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2026-0060R1 specifies ``any
discrepancy of an affected part, as specified in the SB, is
detected'', for this AD, replace that text with ``any discrepancy of
an affected part is detected''.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2026-0060R1.
(i) No Reporting and No Return of Parts
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0060R1
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer and to
send removed parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include
those requirements.
(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#b6f7fbf9f5f6d0d7d798d1d9c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5a4a8aaa6a5838484cb828a93">[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 (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 D. 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#470629332f28293e6903690322242635280721262669202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1a08f95898e8f98cfa5cfa5848280938ea1878080cf868e97">[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 2026-0060R1,
dated June 9, 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#17565364577276647639726265786776397262"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="08494c7b486d697b69266d7d7a677869266d7d">[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 98198. 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#b7d1c599ded9c4c7d2d4c3ded8d9f7d9d6c5d699d0d8c1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7d1c599ded9c4c7d2d4c3ded8d9f7d9d6c5d699d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 7, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-21325 Filed 10-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 19, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.