Airbus Planes Face Fastener Hole Probes for Safety
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants certain Airbus A319, A320, and A321 planes to get regular checks on some fastener holes because a manufacturing step didn’t go as planned. These inspections will catch cracks early and keep flights safe. Airlines need to comment by February 26, 2026, and be ready for these inspections, which might cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections for Certain Airbus
The FAA proposes required repetitive inspections of fastener holes in the pressure deck membrane to center wing box attachment on specified Airbus A319, A320, and A321 models to detect cracking and require corrective actions. The rule incorporates EASA AD 2025-0066 by reference and applies to the listed model series (see NPRM), with differences and exceptions noted in the FAA text.
FAA Cost Estimate to U.S. Operators
The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 477 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates up to 76 work-hours at $85/hour plus up to $183 in parts for a cost per airplane of up to $6,643, and a total cost on U.S. operators of up to $3,168,711. On-condition rototest inspection is estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) per occurrence; repair costs are not estimated.
Improved Flight Safety from Inspections
The proposed inspections are intended to catch crack initiation and propagation early in the affected area so the structural integrity of the airplane is preserved and flights remain safe. The FAA states the inspections address an unsafe manufacturing deviation that could reduce fatigue life of the pressure deck membrane to center wing box attachment.
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