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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16913, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration; Correction
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public to make comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on June 02, 2026. The Information to be collected is necessary to insure the safety of the flying public. Documentation of maintenance repair actions record who, what, when, where and how of the task performed. All maintenance actions as well as documentation are required by Title 14 CFR part 43. This collection focuses on Form 337 which is collected by the FAA. Other records for preventative maintenance, and logbook entries are not collected by the FAA serve as a responsibility of the owner to maintain in case of verification of airworthiness when seeking approval or sale of the aircraft. This ensures proper certification of personnel; proper tooling is utilized and accurate measures to ensure safety. Total form 337s submitted in 2024 is 76,253. Total general aviation aircraft registrations on file are 438,651. It is estimated by the numbers collected one in every five aircraft have a 337-form submitted for major alteration and repairs performed. Each 337 takes approximately 1 hour.
2026-16874, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an occurrence of a triple "PRIM FAULT" in the Flight Control Primary Computer (FCPC) at touchdown. This proposed AD would require the installation of a new FCPC standard and applicable concurrent modifications. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of certain parts The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16888, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
This rule amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.
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.