Honda Airplane Owners Must Swap Wing Weights for Safety by February
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own a Honda HA-420 airplane, the FAA has a new rule to keep you safe! You’ll need to swap out the old wing balance weights for new, slimmer ones by February 17, 2026, to fix a tricky gap that could cause trouble. This update helps your plane fly safer without breaking the bank or causing big delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Must Replace Aileron Balance Weights
If you operate a Honda Model HA-420 with serial numbers 42000172, 42000235–42000265, or 42000267–42000272 and with aileron balance weight part number HJ1-15751-152-003 or HJ1-15751-157-003 installed, you must replace the left and right aileron fixed balance weights with reduced-geometry fixed balance weights before further flight. This AD is effective February 17, 2026 and requires following Honda Service Bulletin No. SB-420-27-011, Revision B, dated December 12, 2024.
Estimated Repair Cost per Airplane
The FAA estimates this AD affects 38 U.S.-registered airplanes. The estimated cost to replace the left and right inboard and outboard fixed balance weights is 45 work-hours × $85/hour = $3,825 labor plus $3,676 parts, for a total estimated cost of $7,501 per airplane and $285,038 to U.S. operators.
Manufacturer May Cover Some Costs
The manufacturer has stated that some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA noted this as a possibility but still included full estimated costs in its estimate.
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