FAA Orders Inspections on Boeing 787 Pressure Bulkheads
Published Date: 12/9/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is requiring inspections on certain Boeing 787 airplanes to check for damage in a key part called the forward pressure bulkhead. This rule starts January 13, 2026, and aims to keep flights safe by fixing any problems found. Airlines flying these models will need to spend time and money on these checks and repairs to avoid safety risks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Estimated Inspection Labor Cost Per Airplane
The FAA estimates inspections take 10 work-hours at $85 per hour, for a labor cost of $850 per airplane. The FAA estimates the AD affects 135 U.S.-registered airplanes, with an aggregate inspection cost to U.S. operators of $114,750.
Mandatory FPB Inspections for Boeing 787s
If your airline operates Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, or 787-10 airplanes, the FAA requires internal and external detailed inspections of the forward pressure bulkhead (FPB) and any applicable on‑condition repairs, starting January 13, 2026. The inspections must be done per Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530093-00 RB, Issue 001, dated October 5, 2024.
On-Condition Repair Costs Unspecified; Warranty Possible
If damage is found, the AD requires applicable on-condition repairs but the FAA gives no definitive cost estimate for repairs. The FAA notes some or all repair costs may be covered under warranty by the manufacturer.
Mandatory Reporting if Cracking Is Found
If any cracking is found during inspections, the cracking must be reported to the FAA in accordance with 14 CFR 21.3. This reporting requirement applies when damage is discovered as a result of the inspections required by this AD.
FAA Finding on Small Entities' Economic Impact
The FAA certified that this AD is not a 'significant regulatory action' and determined it will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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.
2026-16804, 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: 2025-22351, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus A300 airplanes to keep them flying safely. They’re expanding the list of planes that need wing inspections and possible fixes, while removing some that don’t need it anymore. These changes kick in on January 13, 2026, and help prevent wing problems without causing big costs or delays.
Next: 2025-22411, Sunset of the Pathways Presidential Management Fellows Program; Correction
The Office of Personnel Management fixed a small mistake in the rules that ended the Pathways Presidential Management Fellows Program. This correction cleans up wording errors in the official text but doesn’t change the program’s end or affect any money. The fix took effect on December 10, 2025, so everything’s now clear and official!