Airplane Stabilizer Actuator Replacement Directive
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-06- 18, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; A319 series airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and A321 series airplanes. AD 2020-06-18 required replacement of affected trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) with serviceable THSAs. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-06-18, a new Airbus airplane model (A321-253NY) has been certified, on which affected parts could be installed in service. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2020-06-18, revises the applicability to include Model A321-253NY airplanes, and prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Compliance Requirements
- #1
Replacement of affected trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) with serviceable THSAs; Prohibition of the installation of affected parts
Deadline: 2025-09-22(35 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)
Market Impacts
The AD requires replacement of affected trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSAs) with serviceable THSAs and prohibits the installation of affected parts, including on the newly certified Model A321-253NY airplanes.; The requirement to replace affected THSAs with serviceable ones may increase demand for MRO services specializing in Airbus aircraft.
Validated Company Impacts
AAR CORP
AAR CORP operates in the aviation aftermarket sector, specifically providing repair and engineering services that align with the AD's requirement to replace trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators on Airbus aircraft. As a leading independent provider of MRO services, the company would likely be involved in performing these mandated repairs for airline customers operating affected Airbus models. The rule addresses aircraft maintenance and parts replacement requirements for specific Airbus models, which has minimal alignment with the company's disclosed risk factors. The company's operational risks focus on USM parts refurbishment dependency and aircraft model phase-outs, but these are general supply chain and inventory concerns rather than specific regulatory compliance with airworthiness directives.
HEICO CORP
HEICO's Flight Support Group is a major manufacturer of FAA-approved aircraft component replacement parts and provides repair/overhaul services specifically for aerospace components, directly aligning with the AD's requirements for replacing trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators and prohibiting installation of affected parts. As a leading non-OEM supplier in this market, HEICO would be significantly affected by increased demand for compliant replacement parts and MRO services for Airbus aircraft models covered by this directive. The FAA airworthiness directive addresses aircraft maintenance and safety compliance risks, while the company's disclosed risk factors are exclusively financial (interest rate and foreign currency risks). There is no overlap between the operational safety risks targeted by this regulation and the company's financial risk profile.