FAA Mandates Airbus A350 Manual Revisions in A New AD

WASHINGTON- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive affecting all Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft. The directive mandates updates to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) due to incorrect taxi time limits in freezing fog conditions that pose a safety risk.

The new requirement impacts operations at U.S. airports like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) and affects 32 U.S.-registered aircraft, primarily operated by Delta Air Lines (DL). Compliance is required by August 5, 2025.

Photo: Clément Alloing

FAA Mandates A350 Manual Updates

The FAA’s final rule, AD 2025-13-03, orders revisions to Airbus A350 manuals to correct cumulative taxi time limits under freezing fog conditions.

According to the agency, the error could lead to engine surges during taxi operations, especially during critical flight phases, increasing the risk of aircraft control issues.

This directive harmonizes with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0190, which first identified the error in October 2024. The FAA confirmed that the Airbus AFM listed incorrect time values that could affect safe taxiing in fog-prone environments.

Affected airlines must update the applicable AFM using Airbus Document Unit (DU) revisions aligned with EASA’s guidelines. Operators are not required to provide additional crew briefings, as existing FAA operating rules already cover these procedures.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Minimal Costs but High Safety Impact

The FAA estimates that 32 A350s registered in the U.S. will require manual updates. With no hardware changes or parts needed, the directive imposes a modest compliance cost—approximately $85 per aircraft in labor.

The changes involve approximately one work hour per aircraft, at an estimated labor cost of $85. Since no additional parts are needed, the total cost per aircraft is $85, bringing the estimated cumulative cost to U.S. operators to $2,720.

While the cost impact is relatively minor, the safety implications are significant. Ensuring accurate procedural guidance in adverse weather conditions like freezing fog is critical for preserving engine reliability and flight safety.

Delta Air Lines (DL) remains the only U.S. operator flying the A350 fleet.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) submitted the sole comment during the notice period, supporting the measure with no requested modifications. Airlines must meet the compliance deadline unless changes have already been incorporated, flagged by AirlineGeeks.

Photo: Eurospot

Origin of the Directive and Safety Justification

The proposed FAA AD was prompted by a technical assessment conducted by EASA, which determined that the AFM value for taxi time in freezing fog could lead to hazardous engine behavior.

The risk of multiple engine surges in such conditions could escalate into loss of thrust or control during taxi, takeoff, or climb-out.

The FAA’s action emphasizes the importance of harmonized global safety standards and reflects ongoing collaboration between U.S. and European aviation regulators. Operators are advised to review the NPRM and submit comments before final implementation.

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