Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
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Issuing agencies
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-09-07, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -841, and -941 airplanes. AD 2025-09-07 requires revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) by providing instructions to address dual loss of radio management panel (RMP) data synchronization, and the existing minimum equipment list (MEL) by removing relief for an inoperative RMP 3. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-09-07, a modification that addresses the unsafe condition has been developed. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions specified in AD 2025-09-07 and would require modifying the airplane. This proposed AD also reduces the applicability. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. 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 200 (Monday, October 19, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 200 (Monday, October 19, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66016-66019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-21334]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-11813; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01835-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2025-09-07, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F,
-841, and -941 airplanes. AD 2025-09-07 requires revising the existing
airplane flight manual (AFM) by providing instructions to address dual
loss of radio management panel (RMP) data synchronization, and the
existing minimum equipment list (MEL) by removing relief for an
inoperative RMP 3. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-09-07, a modification
that addresses the unsafe condition has been developed. This proposed
AD would continue to require the actions specified in AD 2025-09-07 and
would require modifying the airplane. This proposed AD also reduces the
applicability. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of
affected parts under certain conditions. 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 December 3,
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-2026-11813; 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#87c6c3f4c7e2e6f4e6a9e2f2f5e8f7e6a9e2f2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5f4f1c6f5d0d4c6d49bd0c0c7dac5d49bd0c0">[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-2026-11813.
<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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Carreras, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3539; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#630511020d084d0002111106110210230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6d0c4d7d8dd98d5d7c4c4d3c4d7c5f6d0d7d798d1d9c0">[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-2026-11813;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01835-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 Frank
Carreras, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3539; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ed8b9f8c8386c38e8c9f9f889f8c9ead8b8c8cc38a829b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="731501121d185d1012010116011200331512125d141c05">[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
The FAA issued AD 2025-09-07, Amendment 39-23028 (90 FR 17888,
April 30, 2025) (AD 2025-09-07), for
[[Page 66017]]
certain Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, -841, and -941 airplanes. AD
2025-09-07 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA
issued EASA AD 2025-0043, dated February 19, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0043),
to correct an unsafe condition. EASA later revised EASA AD 2025-0043
and issued EASA AD 2025-0043R1, dated August 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-
0043R1) to reduce the applicability by removing airplanes that are not
affected by the unsafe condition.
AD 2025-09-07 requires revising the existing AFM by providing
instructions to address dual loss of RMP data synchronization, and the
existing MEL by removing relief for an inoperative RMP 3. The FAA
issued AD 2025-09-07 to address loss of radio communication,
uncommanded changes of transponder and traffic alert and collision
avoidance system (TCAS) settings, and activation of standby navigation
mode on all RMPs. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
total loss of radio communication if RMP 3 is inoperative prior to
dispatch, including loss of transponder functionality and standby
navigation. The FAA considered AD 2025-09-07 to be an interim action
and stated that, once a modification was developed, approved, and
available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking. The
manufacturer has since developed a modification that would terminate
the actions required by AD 2025-09-07. The FAA has determined that this
modification must be required.
Actions Since AD 2025-09-07 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2025-09-07, EASA superseded EASA AD 2025-
0043, dated February 19, 2025, and issued EASA AD 2025-0286, dated
December 17, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0286) (also referred to as the MCAI),
to correct an unsafe condition on certain Airbus SAS Model A330-941
airplanes. The MCAI states that occurrences were reported of loss of
data synchronization between the RMPs and the audio management unit,
which can result in the loss of control of radio communication,
uncommanded changes of transponder and TCAS settings, and the
activation of standby navigation mode on all RMPs. This condition, if
not corrected, could lead to total loss of control of radio
communications, including the loss of communications, transponder
functionality, standby navigation, or any combination of these. To
address this condition, Airbus designed and certified modification
211442 (install wiring and software L4.3 standard for digital audio)
and published service information that provides instructions for
installing that modification on in-service airplanes; EASA AD 2025-0286
retains the AFM and MEL requirements of EASA AD 2025-0043R1 and adds a
requirement to modify the airplane.
This proposed AD would reduce the applicability and only apply to
certain Model A330-941 airplanes. Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -243F, and
-841 airplanes are not affected by the identified unsafe condition. The
FAA is proposing 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-2026-11813.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0286 specifies procedures for modifying the airplane
by installing wiring and software (the digital radio and audio
integrating management system (DRAIMS) L4.3 configuration). EASA AD
2025-0286 also specifies revising the AFM and the MEL and, after the
modification is accomplished, prohibits installing affected parts.
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 NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2025-09-07 and
reduce the applicability of AD 2025-09-07. This proposed AD would also
require accomplishing the modification specified in EASA AD 2025-0286
described previously, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Accomplishing
that modification would terminate the retained AFM and MEL revision
requirements. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of
affected parts under certain conditions. See ``Differences Between This
Proposed AD and the MCAI'' for a discussion of the general differences
included in this AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
This proposed AD does not adopt paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of
EASA AD 2025-0286 (EASA's retained AFM and master minimum equipment
list requirements). Instead, this proposed AD retains and restates the
corresponding AFM and MEL revision requirements of AD 2025-09-07 in
paragraphs (g) and (h) 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, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0286 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2025-0286 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 2025-0286 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-
0286. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0286 is available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2026-11813
after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 12 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 66018]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Retained actions from AD 2025-09-07...... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $170 $2,040
= $170.
New proposed actions..................... 6 work-hours x $85 per hour 1,242 1,752 21,024
= $510.
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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
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-09-07, Amendment 39-23028
(90 FR 17888, April 30, 2025); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2026-11813; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-
01835-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by December 3, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2025-09-07, Amendment 39-23028 (90 FR 17888,
April 30, 2025) (AD 2025-09-07).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A330-941 airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0286, dated December 17, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0286).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 23,
Communications.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of loss of data synchronization
between the radio management panels (RMPs) and the audio management
unit. The FAA is issuing this AD to address such loss of data
synchronization, which can result in the loss of control of radio
communication, uncommanded changes of transponder and Traffic Alert
and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) settings, and the activation
of standby navigation mode on all RMPs. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in the total loss of radio communications if
RMP 3 is inoperative prior to dispatch, including the loss of
transponder functionality and standby navigation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2025-09-07, with no changes. Within 7 days after May 15, 2025 (the
effective date of AD 2025-09-07), revise the Emergency Procedures
section of the existing AFM to include the information in figure 1
to paragraph (g) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD into the existing AFM. Using a
different document with information identical to that contained in
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD is acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of this paragraph.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)--AFM Procedure
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Dual loss of RMP data synchronization
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Switch off RMP 1 and RMP 2.
Note: When RMP 1 and RMP 2 are switched off:
--The aural alerts are not available on loudspeakers.
--The communication is only available on RMP 3.
Check communication, transponder, TCAS and radio navigation settings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) Retained Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Revision, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2025-09-07, with no changes. Before further flight after
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, revise
the existing FAA-approved MEL to prohibit airplane dispatch
(operation) with an inoperative RMP 3 under the MEL item equivalent
to FAA master minimum equipment list 23-81-01.
[[Page 66019]]
(i) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the credit specified in paragraph (i) of
AD 2025-09-07, with no changes.
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the AFM revision required
by paragraph (g) of this AD, if the revision was performed before
May 15, 2025 (the effective date of AD 2025-09-07) using Airbus
A330/A340 Operations Engineering Bulletin 58, issue 1.0, dated
February 7, 2025.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the AFM revision required
by paragraph (g) of this AD, if the revision was performed before
May 15, 2025 (the effective date of AD 2025-09-07) using Airbus A330
Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision TR819, Issue 1, dated
March 6, 2025.
(j) New Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2025-0286. Doing the modification required
by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and
(h) of this AD. After the modification has been done, the AFM
revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD may be removed from
the AFM and the MEL revision required by paragraph (h) of this AD
may be removed from the MEL.
(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0286
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0286 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of EASA
AD 2025-0286.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0286.
(l) 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 (m)(1) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4f5f9fbf7f4d2d5d59ad3dbc2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a7e6eae8e4e7c1c6c689c0c8d1">[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 the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (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 (l)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD
2025-0286 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.
(m) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Frank Carreras,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3539; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a2c382b242164292b38382f382b390a2c2b2b642d253c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="17716576797c3974766565726576645771767639707861">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For Airbus material identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office--EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex,
France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bcddd5cecbd3cec8d4d5d2d9cfcf92fd8f8f8c91fd8f888cfc80dd9cd4ced9da81" http: airbus.com">airbus.com</a>">airworthiness.A330-A340@<a href="http://airbus.com">airbus.com</a></a>; website <a href="http://airbus.com">airbus.com</a>.
(n) 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 2025-0286,
dated December 17, 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#ce8f8abd8eabafbdafe0abbbbca1beafe0abbb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5011142310353123317e3525223f20317e3525">[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#2c4a5e0245425f5c494f584543426c424d5e4d024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e283c6027203d3e2b2d3a2721200e202f3c2f60292138">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 14, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management
Division,Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-21334 Filed 10-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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