FAA calls for extra checks on De Havilland elevators—safety first
Published Date: 6/23/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or maintain certain De Havilland DHC-8-400 planes, listen up! The FAA wants to update safety checks for elevator parts to catch cracks and damage sooner. They’re asking for one more round of inspections, some fixes if needed, and offering a way to stop future checks—so planes stay safe without breaking the bank or schedule.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Adds one repeat inspection
The FAA proposes that operators of certain De Havilland DHC-8-400 airplanes must perform the inspections required by AD 2019-16-09 again one time (a repeat inspection). This means another scheduled inspection for the elevator PCU brackets, horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and elevator front spar to check for cracks and damage.
Required on-condition corrective actions
If the inspections find cracks or damage, the FAA requires operators to carry out the specified investigative and corrective (on-condition) actions. Those fixes must be done as directed before returning the airplane to service.
Optional terminating action offered
The proposed AD would offer an optional terminating action that, if done, ends the need for the repetitive inspections. Operators can choose this option to stop repeating the inspection requirement for the affected parts.
One airplane removed from applicability
The proposal removes one airplane from the list of airplanes that the AD applies to, so that specific airplane would no longer be subject to these inspection requirements. That airplane’s operator would not have to do the AD’s inspections and related actions.
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
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11413, Air Plan Approval; California; San Joaquin Valley 1-Hour Ozone Area; Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request
The EPA wants to officially recognize that the San Joaquin Valley in California has cleaned up its air enough to meet old ozone pollution rules. This means the area can be redesignated from 'needs improvement' to 'meeting standards,' which lifts some old pollution rules and shows progress. Local communities and businesses can expect clearer air and fewer restrictions starting soon, thanks to this new plan.
Next: 2025-11460, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus A330 airplanes to keep them flying safely. If you own or maintain these planes, you’ll need to follow new, stricter maintenance checks soon. These changes help prevent problems and keep everyone safe, with some deadlines to meet and no surprise costs expected.