90 FR 110 pgs. 24317-24319 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
Type: RULEVolume: 90Number: 110Pages: 24317 - 24319
Pages: 24317, 24318, 24319Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2025-0343; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00562-T; Amendment 39-23058; AD 2025-11-12]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-10485 Filed 6-9-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0343; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00562-T; Amendment 39-23058; AD 2025-11-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-03-14, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2020-03-14 required an inspection of affected crew oxygen cylinder assemblies for any discrepancy and replacement of discrepant crew oxygen cylinder assemblies with serviceable parts, and allowed installation of affected parts under certain conditions. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-03-14, the supplier introduced an improved crew oxygen cylinder assembly, that will ensure the correct function of the system. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2020-03-14, requires replacement of all affected parts with redesigned parts, and also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective July 15, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 15, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0343; 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:
• 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 ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
• 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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0343.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nicole Tsang, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3959; email nicole.s.tsang@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-03-14, Amendment 39-19839 (85 FR 11282, February 27, 2020) (AD 2020-03-14). AD 2020-03-14 applied to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2020-03-14 required an inspection of crew oxygen cylinder assemblies having part number (P/N) 4441227-058-000 or P/N 4441227-058-001 (affected crew oxygen cylinder assemblies) (also referred to as affected parts) for any discrepancy and replacement of discrepant crew oxygen cylinder assemblies with serviceable parts, and AD 2020-03-14 allowed installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA issued AD 2020-03-14 to address loss of retention of the regulator inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. This condition could lead to particle ingestion into the regulator during ground handling, possibly resulting in ignition/fire during system ground operational testing.
[top] The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 18, 2025 (90 FR 12501). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0186, dated September 24, 2024, issued by EASA (EASA AD 2024-0186) (also referred to as the MCAI),
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions in AD 2020-03-14, to require replacement of all affected parts with redesigned parts, and to also prohibit the installation of affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 2024-0186. 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-2025-0343.
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
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0186, which specifies procedures for an inspection of each crew oxygen cylinder assembly for any discrepancy (a loose part making a sound during agitation of the cylinder), replacement of any affected crew oxygen cylinder with a serviceable part, and eventual replacement of each affected crew oxygen cylinder with a redesigned part. EASA AD 2024-0186 also prohibits the installation of 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retained actions from AD 2020-03-14 | 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 | $0 | $85 | $2,805. |
| New actions | Up to 15 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,275 | 12,800 | Up to $14,075 | Up to $464,475. |
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition replacements 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:
| Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product |
|---|---|---|
| 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 | $6,940 | $7,790 |
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs in the cost estimate.
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:
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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) 2020-03-14, Amendment 39-19839 (85 FR 11282, February 27, 2020); and
b. Adding the following new AD:
2025-11-12 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-23058; Docket No. FAA-2025-0343; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00562-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 15, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-03-14, Amendment 39-19839 (85 FR 11282, February 27, 2020) (AD 2020-03-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by loss of retention of the regulator inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address loss of retention of the regulator inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in particle ingestion into the regulator during ground handling, possibly resulting in ignition/fire during system ground operational testing.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0186, dated September 24, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0186).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0186
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0186 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0186 refers to July 30, 2019 (the effective date of EASA AD 2019-0168), this AD requires using April 2, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-03-14).
(3) Where paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0186 state "the instructions of the AOT", this AD requires replacing that text with "paragraph 4.2.2., Inspection Requirements, of the AOT."
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0186 specifies to "inspect each affected part", this AD requires replacing that text with "do a one-time inspection of any affected part that is installed on-wing".
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0186 specifies if "any discrepancy is detected, as defined in the AOT," this AD requires replacing those words with "any loose part making a sound during agitation of the cylinder is detected".
(6) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0186.
(i) No Reporting and No Return of Parts Requirements
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0186 specifies to submit certain information and 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: 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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraphs (i) and (j)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0186 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, 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 instructions identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nicole Tsang, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3959; email nicole.s.tsang@faa.gov.
(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 2024-0186, dated September 24, 2024.
(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 ADs@easa.europa.eu. 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.
Issued on June 4, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10485 Filed 6-9-25; 8:45 am]
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