FAA Airworthiness Directive for Certain Airbus A321neo Aircraft
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule requires operators of certain Airbus A321neo aircraft to carry out repeated inspections of specific fastener holes and frame foot joint connections in the center fuselage. The FAA is acting after a manufacturing process review found a deviation in the cold working process used on the assembly line. Airlines and maintenance teams operating the affected aircraft must follow the inspection requirements and complete any needed crack checks or repairs. The rule takes effect on August 3, 2026.
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Key Changes
- Requires repetitive inspections of certain fastener holes in center fuselage frame foot joint connections
- Requires crack inspections where applicable
- Requires corrective actions if inspection findings show problems
Obligations
What this law requires
Operators of affected Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX, and A321-272NX airplanes must perform repetitive inspections to verify the nominal design condition of fastener holes in specified center fuselage frame foot joint connections.
Where required based on the fastener-hole inspection results, operators must inspect the affected center fuselage frame foot joint connections for cracking.
If cracking or other nonconforming conditions are found during the required inspections, operators must carry out the applicable corrective actions or repairs required by the airworthiness directive and incorporated EASA material.