FAA Orders Airbus to Patch Leaky Plane Panels Before They Worsen
Published Date: 1/23/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to fix certain Airbus A319 planes because cracks were found in their water service panels that could get worse over time. This means airlines will need to update these panels soon to keep flights safe. The changes follow European safety rules and aim to stop any risky problems before they happen, with some costs expected for the fixes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators Must Retrofit A319 Water Panels
If you operate or own an Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, or -133 airplane, the FAA proposes you must modify the potable water and wastewater service panels as specified in a referenced EASA airworthiness directive. The rule was prompted by a widespread fatigue damage review that found cracks around these service panels, and the FAA says some costs are expected for the required fixes.
Improves Safety by Addressing Panel Cracks
You may fly on one of the listed Airbus A319 models; the FAA proposes this directive to require modification of potable water and wastewater service panels to stop cracks that were identified as widespread fatigue damage. The change aims to address the unsafe condition and prevent risky problems before they happen.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00685, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Chemical Manufacturing Area Sources Technology Review
The EPA is updating rules for chemical factories that use ethylene oxide to keep the air cleaner and safer. New checks, leak fixes, and electronic reports will help cut harmful pollution by over 160 tons a year. These changes mostly affect chemical makers and start rolling out soon, helping protect communities without breaking the bank.
Next: 2025-01445, Modification of Class D and E Airspace; Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Bozeman, MT
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is updating its airspace rules to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using both visual and instrument flight methods. These changes affect the airspace close to the ground and up to 700 feet above, helping manage traffic better. No extra costs or delays are expected, and the updates will roll out soon to keep everyone flying happy and safe.