FAA Mandates Airbus A350 Flight Control Upgrades
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix flight control software and hardware issues by January 13, 2026. This means installing new software versions and following strict part replacement rules to keep flights safe—no shortcuts allowed. These changes might cost some time and money but make flying way safer for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandated FCGS Software Upgrade
If you operate Airbus A350-941 or -1041 airplanes, you must install flight control and guidance system (FCGS) PRIM P14.1.3 and SEC S14.1.2 software standards and you may not install earlier FCGS software after modification. This AD is effective January 13, 2026 and applies to all A350-941 and -1041 airplanes certificated in any category.
Mandatory FCRM Replacement and Swap Prohibitions
If an elevator flight control remote module (FCRM) was exposed to hydraulic contamination, you must replace it with a serviceable FCRM and you are prohibited from replacing elevator or rudder FCRMs with aileron or spoiler FCRMs. The AD retains these replacement and ``do not replace'' prohibitions and is effective January 13, 2026 for all A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
FAA Cost Estimates for U.S. Operators
The FAA estimates this AD affects 39 U.S.-registered A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The FAA estimates retained actions may cost up to $111,276 per airplane (labor $1,020 plus parts up to $110,256) and up to $4,339,764 on U.S. operators; new actions are estimated at $2,234 per airplane ($1,190 labor, $1,044 parts) and $87,126 total for U.S. operators. On-condition actions are estimated up to $27,819 per airplane.
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: 2025-23853, Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions
Starting in 2027, the U.S. will use a new weighted lottery to pick who can apply for H-1B work visas. This system favors higher-paid and more skilled workers but still gives chances to all wage levels. Employers and job seekers should get ready for this change, which aims to better match visas with talent and pay, without extra fees or delays.
Next: 2025-23860, Safety Zone; Beltway 8 Bridge Construction, Houston Ship Channel, Houston, TX
Starting December 29, 2025, the Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone around the Beltway 8 Bridge construction site on the Houston Ship Channel to keep boats and people safe. No one can enter this area without special permission until March 1, 2030, while the new bridge is being built and old parts are removed. This means boaters need to plan ahead and follow new rules to avoid fines or delays.