Airbus A350s Need Extra Wing Spar Scrutiny
Published Date: 3/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus A350 planes, the FAA wants you to keep checking wing tanks for missing sealant and fix any problems. Now, they’re adding a new one-time inspection for parts near the wing’s front and rear spars to keep lightning protection strong. These updates help keep flights safe and must be done on time, but they won’t break the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Continued Wing Tank Sealant Work
The FAA proposes to supersede AD 2023-14-09 for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes, continuing requirements to inspect wing tanks for missing or incorrectly applied sealant, perform applicable corrective actions, and complete a modification to restore two independent layers of lightning strike protection.
New One-Time Spar Sealant Inspection
The proposed AD would add a one-time detailed inspection (DET) for missing or incorrectly applied sealant of the upper and lower, front and rear spar corner fittings on certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes, with applicable on-condition actions as specified in a referenced EASA AD.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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