FAA Orders X-Rays for Boeing Cargo Track Flaws
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 767-300F airplanes are super safe by checking or replacing some cargo track parts that might be made from the wrong materials. Airlines will need to inspect these parts with special X-ray tools or swap them out, helping prevent any safety issues. Comments on this plan are open until April 3, 2026, so affected operators should act soon to avoid delays or extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory XRF Inspection or Replacement
The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for Boeing 767-300F series airplanes (per Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin dated October 17, 2025) that would require an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer inspection to identify the material of cargo track crown fittings or replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new fittings made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. This proposed AD applies to affected airplanes identified in the Boeing bulletin and is intended to address suspect material certifications that could cause cargo track failure.
Estimated Compliance Cost Numbers
The FAA estimates the AD would affect 43 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated costs: replacing all cargo track crown fittings is 156 work-hours × $85 = $13,260 labor plus $63,540 parts = $76,800 per airplane (up to $3,302,400 total for U.S. registry). An XRF spectrometer inspection is estimated at 92 work-hours × $85 = $7,820 per airplane (up to $336,260 total for U.S. registry).
Unsafe Condition: Cargo Track Failure Hazard
The FAA found suspect material certifications for some titanium cargo track crown fittings; if not addressed this could result in cargo track failure, uncommanded movement of a cargo pallet, damage to critical systems in the main cargo compartment sidewall or ceiling, and inability of a principal structural element to sustain limit loads, which could significantly affect airplane controllability. The proposed AD is intended to prevent that unsafe condition.
Manufacturer Warranty May Reduce Costs
The manufacturer states that some or all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA notes this possibility in its cost discussion.
FAA Finding on Small Entity Economic Impact
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. This is the agency's regulatory finding included in the proposed rule.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: C1-2025-22995 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; 2026 and 2027 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
The government updated fishing rules for Alaska’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands for 2026 and 2027, focusing on how much groundfish can be caught. Fishermen and fishing companies will see changes in fish limits and must apply by November 1, 2026, to join certain fishing programs. These updates help keep fish populations healthy while supporting the fishing industry’s future.
Next: 2026-03037 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus A350 airplanes because some parts in the tail have been moving when they shouldn’t. They’re keeping the regular checks but removing a fix that no longer works and including more planes in the rules. Airlines need to follow these new steps soon to keep flights safe, but it might cost some time and money to do the extra inspections and repairs.