FAA Orders Airbus Windshield Inspections for Safety
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Airbus A330 planes to get special windshield frame checks because a production mistake might cause safety issues. Owners of these planes will need to do regular detailed inspections and fix any problems found. Comments on this plan are open until January 2, 2026, and while these checks might cost some money, they keep flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory windshield-frame inspections
If you operate certain Airbus A330 airplanes (models A330-200, -200 Freighter, -300, -800, and -900 series listed in EASA AD 2025-0071), you must perform repetitive special detailed inspections (SDIs) of the central windshield frames and do required corrective actions or repairs per EASA AD 2025-0071. The inspections and corrective actions are required within the compliance times specified in that EASA AD.
Crack repairs must be approved and done before flight
If any cracking is found on an affected part, the cracking must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, AIR-520 (FAA), or EASA, or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA); if approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
Estimated compliance cost and fleet size
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 145 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated labor for the required action is 4 work-hours at $85 per hour (4 x $85 = $340) per airplane, giving a total estimated cost on U.S. operators of $49,300. The FAA lists parts cost as $0 for the required action.
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.
2026-11875 — Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; NetJets Aviation, Inc.
NetJets Aviation, a big private jet company, asked the FAA to let them skip some usual flight rules. This could change how they operate their planes, and the public has until July 2, 2026, to share their thoughts. No money changes are mentioned yet, but this could speed up or simplify some flights for NetJets.
2026-11861 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Freer, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Silverhorn Ranch Airport in Freer, TX, to support safer flying with new instrument flight rules. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying in and out of this airport. No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11904 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Mullin, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Smoky Bend Ranch Airport in Mullin, TX to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11792 — Modification of Class E Airspace, Omak Airport, Omak, WA
The FAA is changing the Class E airspace around Omak Airport in Washington to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using instruments. This update starts on September 3, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just better airspace management to keep flights on track!
2026-11730 — Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
Starting June 11, 2026, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adjusting flight paths and safety rules based on new tech and obstacles. No big costs here—just smarter, safer skies for everyone flying under instrument rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20014 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA wants to fix a problem on certain Boeing 787 airplanes where the altitude setting on the control panel can change by itself. They’re proposing to replace the old control panel with a new, safer one and test it to keep flights safe. Owners of these planes should act soon, as comments are due by January 2, 2026, and the fix might cost some time and money but keeps everyone flying safely.
Next: 2025-20018 — Kentucky Regulatory Program
Kentucky wants to update its mining rules by adding a clear definition for “long-term treatment” and explaining how extra bonds for it should be calculated. This affects mining companies and the state’s oversight process, aiming to keep the environment safer for longer. You’ve got until December 17, 2025, to share your thoughts, and there might be a public hearing on December 12 if enough people ask for it.