Airbus A320neo Planes Face Fastener Hole Safety Inspections
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Airbus A320 planes checked because some parts might not be made quite right, which could cause safety issues. They’re asking airlines to inspect certain fastener holes and fix any problems found. Comments are open until January 5, 2026, and these checks might cost some time and money but keep flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required Inspections on Airbus A320s
The FAA proposes an airworthiness directive requiring inspections of fastener holes on certain Airbus A320-251N/252N/253N/271N/272N/273N airplanes for nominal diameter and applicable corrective actions (including rototest inspections and repairs). If any cracking is found, the AD requires that the cracking be repaired before further flight using an FAA-, EASA-, or DOA-approved method.
Estimated Inspection Cost Per Airplane
The FAA estimates the required inspection will take 27 work-hours at $85 per hour, a labor cost of $2,295 per airplane and $0 parts cost. The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 224 U.S.-registered airplanes for a total estimated cost on U.S. operators of $514,080.
On‑Condition Repair Labor Cost
If on-condition actions are needed (for example, rototest inspections that find cracking), the FAA estimates 20 work-hours at $85 per hour, a labor cost of $1,700 per affected airplane and $0 parts cost. These on-condition costs would apply each time cracking or other discrepancies require the specified corrective actions.
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