FAA Forces Airlines to Replace Faulty Airbus Hydraulic Parts

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.

2026-16672, Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Airplanes

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-16- 06, which applied to all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes with Wipaire, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01795CH installed. AD 2024-16-06 required repetitively inspecting the left and right, forward and rear, horizontal stabilizer spars for cracks, replacing any horizontal stabilizer spar found cracked or damaged, installing bathtub fittings, and reporting inspection results to the FAA. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-16-06, additional cracks in the horizontal stabilizer spars were reported where the vertical fin structural support brace mounts to the horizontal stabilizer spar. This AD retains all the actions of AD 2024- 16-06 and adds inspections to another area. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-16655, Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Engines

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-13- 09, which applied to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. AD 2026-13-09 required repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. Since the FAA issued AD 2026-13-09, a manufacturer's analysis revealed that turbine exhaust frames manufactured from a certain material were less durable and more susceptible to developing cracks under thermal stress. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks at different initial inspection thresholds than required by AD 2026-13-09 based on the material used during manufacture and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-16640, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that a gap without fire-resistant sealant (sealant) may be present in the cargo bay near the fuel segregation box. This proposed AD would require inspecting for any missing sealant and, depending on findings, corrective action. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2025-20921, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

If you fly or work with Airbus Canada Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 planes, listen up! The FAA says some fire safety bottles might not work right, so they’re making owners replace certain parts and check fire extinguisher lines to keep everyone safe. These fixes start December 30, 2025, and help avoid costly problems down the runway.

Next: 2025-20925, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA is requiring all Airbus A319, A320, and A321 planes with sharklets to get regular checks for cracks in the lower wing cover after tests found potential problems. These inspections start December 30, 2025, to keep flights safe and avoid costly repairs later. If issues pop up, fixes must be done quickly to keep the planes flying strong.