FAA Updates Rules for Wobbly Airbus A350 Tails
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
A350 tail-bushing inspections continue and expand
If you operate Airbus A350-941 or -1041 airplanes, the FAA proposes to keep repetitive inspections for migration of the horizontal tail plane (HTP) lateral load fitting (LLF) bushings, remove a previously allowed terminating repair, and expand which airplanes are covered (including airplanes with modification 110669). This proposal references EASA AD 2025-0073 and applies to the airplanes identified there; comments are due April 3, 2026.
FAA cost and paperwork estimates for A350 AD
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 36 U.S.-registered A350 airplanes. Retained actions are estimated at 10 work-hours × $85 = $850 per airplane (total $30,600 for U.S. operators); optional actions are estimated at 56 work-hours × $85 = $4,760 plus $23,000 parts = $27,760 per airplane; on-condition actions are estimated up to 93 work-hours × $85 = $7,905 plus up to $4,480 parts = up to $12,385 per airplane. The rule also requires reporting inspection results (estimated 1 hour per response; OMB Control Number 2120-0056).
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: 2026-03036, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
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.
Next: 2026-03043, Safety Zone; Annual Fireworks Displays Within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone
The Coast Guard wants to update safety rules for annual fireworks shows along the Columbia River. They’re adding a new safety zone, removing one that’s no longer needed, renaming a display, and adding a second date for another. These changes keep everyone safe and informed, and you have until March 19, 2026, to share your thoughts!