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.
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
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
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.