AD 2025-20-12

Active

Time Limits/Maintenance Checks

Key Information
2025-20-12
Active
December 30, 2025
September 26, 2025
FAA-2025-0470
39-23165
Applicability
["Aircraft"]
["Large Airplane"]
Airbus SAS
A350-941 A350-1041
Summary

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-02- 18, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2023-02-18 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-02- 18, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023-02-18, and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Action Required

Final rule.

Regulatory Text

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-02-18, Amendment 39-22325 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2025-20-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23165; Docket No. FAA-2025-0470; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00579-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 30, 2025. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2023-02-18, Amendment 39-22325 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023) (AD 2023-02-18). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before August 1, 2024. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential failure of certain life-limited parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program, With a New Terminating Action This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 2023-02-18, with a new terminating action. For Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issues on or before May 2, 2022: Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0124, dated June 28, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0124). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0124, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (k) of AD 2023-02-18, with no changes. (1) The requirement specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0124 does not apply to this AD. (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0124 specifies revising "the approved AMP" within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after March 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-02-18). (3) The initial compliance time for complying with the limitations specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0124 is at the applicable "limitations" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0124, or within 90 days after March 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-02-18), whichever occurs later. (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0124 do not apply to this AD. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0124. (i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 2023-02-18, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the "Ref. Publications" section of EASA AD 2022-0124. (j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 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 2024-0189, dated October 1, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0189). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0189 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0189. (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0189 specifies revising "the approved AMP," within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The initial compliance time for complying with limitations specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0189 is at the applicable "limitations" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0189, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2024-0189. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0189. (l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the "Ref. Publications" section of EASA AD 2024-0189. (m) 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 AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. 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. (n) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3225; email: dan.rodina@faa.gov. (o) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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. (3) The following material was approved for IBR on December 30, 2025. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0189, dated October 1, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following material was approved for IBR on March 23, 2023 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023). (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0124, dated June 28, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (6) 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. (7) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on September 26, 2025. Peter A. White, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-20927 Filed 11-24-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Supplementary Information

Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-02-18, Amendment 39-22325 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023) (AD 2023-02-18). AD 2023-02-18 applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2023-02-18 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2023-02-18 to address the potential failure of certain life-limited parts, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2025 (90 FR 13311). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0189, dated October 1, 2024, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2024-0189) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require certain actions in AD 2023-02-18 and to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0189. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0470. 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. The FAA also received a comment from ProTech Aero Services Limited. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. Request To Confirm Intent To Allow Later Approved Revisions ProTech Aero Services requested confirmation that the FAA intended to allow the use of later approved revisions of service information to comply with the proposed AD. The commenter noted that EASA AD 2024-0189 states that it allows use of later approved revisions in the Ref. Publications section. The FAA confirms that it intends to allow the use of applicable later Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) revisions to comply with the requirements of this AD. This AD refers to EASA AD 2024-0189 as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the required actions. EASA AD 2024-0189 includes the Ref. Publications section which accepts the use of later approved variations or revisions of the referenced ALS document for compliance. Therefore, applicable later approved ALS revisions are acceptable. 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 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0189, which specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits. This AD also requires EASA AD 2022-0124, dated June 28, 2022, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of March 23, 2023 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023). 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 34 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the retained actions from AD 2023-02-18 to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour). The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. The FAA estimates the total cost per operator for the new actions to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour). 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 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-02-18, Amendment 39-22325 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2025-20-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23165; Docket No. FAA-2025-0470; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00579-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 30, 2025. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2023-02-18, Amendment 39-22325 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023) (AD 2023-02-18). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes, certificated in any category, with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before August 1, 2024. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential failure of certain life-limited parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program, With a New Terminating Action This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 2023-02-18, with a new terminating action. For Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issues on or before May 2, 2022: Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0124, dated June 28, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0124). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0124, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (k) of AD 2023-02-18, with no changes. (1) The requirement specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0124 does not apply to this AD. (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0124 specifies revising "the approved AMP" within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after March 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-02-18). (3) The initial compliance time for complying with the limitations specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0124 is at the applicable "limitations" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0124, or within 90 days after March 23, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023-02-18), whichever occurs later. (4) The provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0124 do not apply to this AD. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0124. (i) Retained Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 2023-02-18, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, after the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the "Ref. Publications" section of EASA AD 2022-0124. (j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program 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 2024-0189, dated October 1, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0189). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0189 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0189. (2) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0189 specifies revising "the approved AMP," within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The initial compliance time for complying with limitations specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0189 is at the applicable "limitations" as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0189, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2024-0189. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0189. (l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the "Ref. Publications" section of EASA AD 2024-0189. (m) 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 AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. 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. (n) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3225; email: dan.rodina@faa.gov. (o) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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. (3) The following material was approved for IBR on December 30, 2025. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0189, dated October 1, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following material was approved for IBR on March 23, 2023 (88 FR 10020, February 16, 2023). (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0124, dated June 28, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (6) 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. (7) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on September 26, 2025. Peter A. White, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

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Related ADs
2023-02-18 This AD replaces the above
Contact Information

Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3225; email: dan.rodina@faa.gov.

References
Federal Register, Volume 90 Number 225 (Tuesday, November 25, 2025)
--- - Part 39
--- - _EMPTY_
(Pages 53206-53208)
Issuing Office
["AIR-520: Continued Operational Safety Branch"]
FAA Documents
ADs Superseded by This AD
AD Number Subject Effective Date Actions
2023-02-18 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks 2023-03-23 View