Airbus Planes Face Gear Noise Inspections and Fixes
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes, listen up! The FAA found some weird noises coming from the nose landing gear and now requires regular checks and fixes to keep things safe. Starting January 2, 2026, these inspections must happen often, and some parts can’t be installed anymore—so airlines should plan for extra maintenance and costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required repetitive NLG inspections
Starting January 2, 2026, the FAA requires repetitive inspections (steering checks) of the nose landing gear (NLG) shock absorber on all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to detect higher-than-expected friction and possible corrosion. The FAA estimates the inspection takes up to 4 work-hours at $85/hour = $340 per inspection cycle, and the rule applies to 33 U.S.-registered airplanes.
Limits on installing affected NLG parts
The AD limits installation of affected nose landing gear parts: for airplanes that have an affected part installed, certain affected parts cannot be installed unless the steering check has been completed; for airplanes that do not have an affected part installed, installing an affected part is prohibited. These installation limits take effect with this AD.
Mandatory discrepancy reporting timelines
If a discrepancy is found during a steering check, operators must report the inspection result to Airbus: submit within 30 days after the steering check if the check was done on or after January 2, 2026, or submit within 30 days after January 2, 2026 if the inspection was done before that date. The FAA estimates reporting takes about 1 work-hour (estimated cost $85).
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