FAA Orders Airbus Autopilot Fix After Mystery Altitude Dips
Published Date: 1/5/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making a new rule for certain Airbus A319, A320, and A321 airplanes to fix a safety problem where the autopilot caused a brief drop in altitude. Airlines must replace or update a key computer part called the ELAC to keep flights safe. This rule starts January 6, 2026, and could mean some costs and quick action for plane owners.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Immediate ELAC replacement or modification
If you operate affected Airbus A319/A320/A321 airplanes, you must replace or modify each affected elevator aileron computer (ELAC). The rule is effective January 6, 2026, and requires compliance within the times specified in EASA Emergency AD 2025-0268-E (incorporated by reference), with some Group 1 actions required before further flight.
Estimated compliance scope and labor cost
The FAA estimates the AD affects 2,007 U.S.-registered airplanes, with about 550 Group 1 airplanes that may require modification or replacement. The FAA estimates 3 work-hours per airplane at $85 per hour for a labor cost of $255 per product, and estimates total labor cost to U.S. operators of $140,250; parts cost is unknown.
Prohibition on installing affected ELAC parts
The AD prohibits installation of affected ELAC parts on certain airplane configurations as defined in the incorporated Airbus AOT and EASA Emergency AD 2025-0268-E. Operators and maintenance providers must not install those affected parts on those configurations going forward.
Limited ferry flight permission for modifications
The AD allows special flight permits to ferry affected airplanes without passengers and in non-ETOPS operations for up to 3 flight cycles to a location where the airplane can be modified. This provides a short-term way to reposition airplanes for compliance.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in