FAA Mandates New Crack Checks for Airbus Jets
Published Date: 12/9/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, or A321 planes, new safety rules are here! The FAA found more cracks in key door parts, so they’re speeding up inspections and adding a new check to keep everyone safe. These rules kick in January 13, 2026, and might mean some extra work and costs for airlines, but safety always comes first!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections for Airbus A320 family
If you operate certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, or A321 airplanes, a new FAA airworthiness directive effective January 13, 2026 requires continuing repetitive high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections, shortens some inspection compliance times, and adds an additional inspection of door stop fitting number 1 at frame (FR) 68.
Estimated operator inspection costs
The FAA estimates this AD affects 1,924 U.S.-registered airplanes. The HFEC inspection is estimated at 27 work-hours (27 x $85/hr = $2,295) per airplane per inspection cycle (total estimated cost to U.S. operators per inspection cycle = $4,415,580), an inspection for a repair part is 1 work-hour ($85) per airplane, and on-condition inspections could cost up to $2,550 per airplane (up to 30 work-hours).
Allowed maintenance material substitution
The FAA added an exception allowing use of consumable material list (CML) code 12ADB1 in lieu of CML code 12ABC1 for re-protection of inspection areas as part of compliance with this AD.
No requirement to report inspection findings
Although EASA AD 2024-0210 specifies submitting inspection findings to the manufacturer, this FAA AD explicitly does not require operators to report inspection findings to Airbus.
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.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22346, Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain ATR airplanes get a safety check because a fire extinguisher tube was found disconnected in the cargo area. Starting January 13, 2026, affected planes must have their fire extinguishing systems tested and fixed if needed to keep everyone safe. This update mainly affects ATR42 and ATR72 models and helps prevent fire risks without big costs or downtime.
Next: 2025-22350, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
If you own or operate Boeing 787-9 or 787-10 airplanes, listen up! The FAA found some parts made with the wrong titanium alloy, which could be unsafe. Starting January 13, 2026, these planes need special inspections and fixes to keep flying safely—so plan ahead, as this might cost some time and money.