# Proposed AD FAA-2026-3485: Airbus SAS Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2026-12-11
- Products: Airbus
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: April 15, 2026, 91 FR 20081
- Comments due: June 1, 2026
- Became: [AD 2026-12-11](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2026-12-11)
- Docket: FAA-2026-3485 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-3485, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2025-00437-T
- FR document: 2026-07297
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/f8/37/f837a11f912f2ff564e0dc66c9f1aa9a0252f21304d45c3b7e78b44c5373c8f3 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-15/pdf/2026-07297.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/15/2026-07297/airworthiness-directives-airbus-sas-airplanes
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-07297-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-3485

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A321-251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and - 272NX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a review of the cold working process on the assembly line that detected a deviation to the manufacturing process. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for the nominal design condition of the fastener holes in certain center fuselage frame foot joint connections and, as applicable, an inspection for cracking at the frame foot joint connections and corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Apr 15, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-07297, comments due Jun 1, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/15/2026-07297/airworthiness-directives-airbus-sas-airplanes)

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