FAA Adds More Airbus Jets to Fastener Replacement Hit List
Published Date: 3/13/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus A350 airplanes by adding more planes to the list that need special fastener replacements and extra protection on wing parts. This keeps the planes safe and sound, following new info from European safety experts. If you own or operate these planes, you should act before April 28, 2025, to avoid any safety or cost surprises.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Airbus A350 Fastener Fix Mandate
If you own or operate certain Airbus A350-941 or -1041 airplanes, you must replace affected fasteners and add head nut cap protection at the front and rear spars in the center wing box as required by EASA AD 2024-0161. The FAA is expanding the rule to add more manufacturer serial numbers and estimates the action would affect 34 U.S.-registered airplanes, costing up to $24,771 per airplane (up to 83 work-hours × $85/hr = $7,055 labor plus up to $17,716 parts) and up to $842,214 total for U.S. operators. The rule is intended to prevent fasteners from rotating in their holes, which the FAA says could lead to fuel tank damage and, in a lightning strike, a fuel tank explosion and loss of the airplane.
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