Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
- Published
- Sep 3, 2026
- Comments close
- Oct 19, 2026
- Citation
- 91 FR 56601
- Docket
- Docket No. FAA-2026-8795, Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01636-T
- Agencies
- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive that would require operators of Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft to address a safety issue with certain engine‑fire switch panels. Reports have shown that the switch can release unintentionally, which can shut down an engine in flight. To prevent this, the FAA would mandate either the replacement of the affected fire‑panel assemblies or a visual inspection of those panels, followed by any additional corrective actions that may be needed. The rule would also restrict the installation of the identified parts unless they meet the new requirements. The directive is being issued by the Department of Transportation’s FAA and applies to all U.S.‑registered Airbus A‑series airplanes that use the affected fire‑panel components. The notice of proposed rulemaking was published on September 3, 2026, and stakeholders—including airlines, maintenance organizations, and manufacturers—have until October 19, 2026, to submit comments or data. After the comment period closes, the FAA will review the feedback and decide whether to issue a final rule. If adopted, the final directive will specify an implementation schedule, giving operators a set timeframe to complete the inspections, replacements, or other actions required to keep their aircraft in compliance and maintain flight safety.
AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.
Official abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of one engine fire switch self-releasing, causing an uncommanded in-flight shut down to one engine. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, replacement of certain fire panels, and for certain other airplanes, a general visual inspection of certain fire panels, and applicable on- condition actions. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions.
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