FAA Tells Airbus: Check Those Bolts or Ground the A350 Fleet
Published Date: 7/21/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making new rules for some Airbus A350 airplanes because of a problem with certain bolts that could be unsafe. Airlines must check these bolts carefully and fix any issues found to keep flights safe. These inspections need to happen soon to prevent any trouble, but they help keep everyone flying worry-free.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Airlines must inspect A350 pylon bolts
If you operate Airbus A350-941 or A350-1041 airplanes, the FAA requires a special detailed inspection of certain pylon bolts at rib 9 where the lower flange bolts to the lower spar. Operators must perform the inspection and any required corrective actions to address discrepancies found in those bolts.
FAA action aims to keep flights safe
The FAA issued this directive after reports of deep spot faces on rib 9 and requires inspections and fixes for certain A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes to address the unsafe condition. This action is intended to improve passenger safety by finding and correcting bolt discrepancies on affected aircraft.
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