FAA Demands Boeing 737 Tail Nut Checks for Safety
Published Date: 4/15/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or work with Boeing 737 planes, listen up! The FAA found some loose or missing nuts on a key part that helps control the plane’s tail. They want you to check maintenance records and fix any problems quickly to keep flights safe—no delays, just smart safety moves.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Boeing 737 HSTA Record Review Required
The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER airplanes after reports of under-torqued and missing nuts on the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) lower gimbal assembly. The proposed AD would require review of maintenance records to determine if an overhauled HSTA was inspected and if corrective actions were accomplished using specified service information, and would require applicable on-condition actions to address the unsafe condition.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10781 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA is hitting pause on a rule that would have made Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent engines replace certain low-pressure compressor blades because more blades might be affected than first thought. This means owners and operators of these engines won’t have to act just yet while the FAA digs deeper. Keep an eye out—new rules could pop up once the FAA finishes its review, possibly affecting maintenance schedules and costs.
2026-10801 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes because some bolts in seat rails have been breaking. Airlines must swap out nylon bushes for stronger bronze ones and can’t use the old parts anymore. This fix starts July 6, 2026, keeping passengers safer without breaking the bank.
2026-10800 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is rolling out new safety rules for many Airbus A319, A320, and A321 airplanes because extra weight from rudder repainting or repairs might cause stability problems. Airlines must check for airframe vibrations after any vibration event, report what they find, and fix issues if needed. These rules kick in on June 15, 2026, and could mean some extra work and costs for operators to keep flights safe.
2026-10806 — Airworthiness Directives; Goodrich Cabin Attendant Seats
The FAA is making sure certain Goodrich cabin attendant seats on Airbus A330 and A340 planes are safe by requiring airlines to replace some faulty seat parts and update their labels. This fix starts July 6, 2026, and helps prevent seat problems during flights. Airlines will need to spend time and money swapping out the parts to keep everyone safe and comfy.
2026-10802 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with certain Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a production mistake affecting the windshield frames and now requires regular detailed inspections and fixes to keep everyone safe. These new rules kick in July 6, 2026, so airlines should prepare for some extra checks that might cost time and money but keep flights secure.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06186 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants all owners of certain Airbus Helicopters to check and fix a part that might get loose near the main rotor, which could be unsafe. They’ll need to inspect the tightening torque, fix any problems found, and send in a report. This rule aims to keep flights safe and could mean some quick inspections and fixes soon.
Next: 2025-06346 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2025 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation and 2025 Incidental Set-Aside
In 2025, a special share of Pacific whiting fish is set aside for Tribal fishing groups, plus some fish reserved for research and accidental catch in other fisheries. This helps protect fish populations, supports Tribal treaty rights, and keeps fishing fair and smart. Fishermen and Tribes along the West Coast should get ready for these new rules that balance fishing and conservation.