Boeing 787s Need Cargo Fire Tape Inspections Now
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes are super safe by checking if some fire-blocking tape is missing in cargo areas. If the tape’s gone, it could let fire spread into the cabin, which is a big no-no. Airlines will need to inspect these spots and fix any problems before April 6, 2026, to keep passengers safe and avoid costly repairs later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory 787 cargo-tape inspections
The FAA proposes a rule requiring a detailed inspection on certain Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes for missing BMS5-146 cargo liner joint sealing tape outboard of the left and right monuments forward of Door 1. The work must follow Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530108-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 5, 2025, and any missing tape must be installed. The FAA says the missing tape could allow fire to propagate into the cabin and potentially lead to loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Inspection and repair cost estimates
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 87 U.S.-registered 787 airplanes. A detailed inspection is estimated at 1 work-hour (1 × $85/hour) = $85 per airplane (total estimated inspection cost to U.S. operators $7,395). If repair is required, installing the cargo liner joint sealing tape is estimated to cost up to $1,885 per airplane (up to 21 work-hours at $85/hour = $1,785 plus up to $100 parts); the manufacturer may cover some or all costs under warranty.
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
2026-13440 — 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.
2026-14248 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Crown Point, IN
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around the Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital Heliport in Crown Point, Indiana. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. If you fly helicopters or planes near this hospital, get ready for updated flight rules—no extra costs, just smoother skies!
2026-14205 — Amendment of Class D Airspace and Removal of Class E4 Airspace Over Nashua, NH
The FAA is updating the airspace rules over Nashua, NH by removing some unnecessary Class E airspace around Boire Field Airport and tweaking the Class D airspace wording to stay current. These changes take effect on October 29, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or cause delays. Pilots flying in and out of Nashua will notice clearer, simpler airspace rules that keep things safe and smooth.
2026-14238 — Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
If you fly Bell Model 407 helicopters, listen up! The FAA wants you to check your tailboom bolts more often, tighten them right, and swap out any worn parts to keep things safe. Plus, you’ll need to update your maintenance manual with new bolt life limits—all to stop bolts from breaking and keep your chopper flying strong. Comments on this plan are open until August 31, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03389 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants to fix a safety problem on all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 planes because some engine fire extinguisher bottles have cracks. They’re proposing to require changes to these bottles and stop using the cracked parts to keep everyone safe. Comments on this plan are open until April 6, 2026, and airlines will need to act soon to avoid risks and extra costs.
Next: 2026-03405 — Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status
HUD is updating rules to check that everyone getting housing help is either a U.S. citizen or has an eligible immigration status—no exceptions, no matter their age. If someone's status isn’t verified yet, their housing aid will be temporarily reduced instead of lasting forever. These changes start soon and aim to make sure housing help goes to the right people while matching new government priorities.