FAA Orders Airbus Fastener Replacements for Safety
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Airbus A350-941 planes to fix certain fasteners that didn’t get the right protective coating during production. They’re asking to replace these parts and add extra protection to keep the planes safe. Owners need to comment by April 13, 2026, and get ready for some maintenance work that helps avoid costly problems later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Avoids Lightning-Related Fuel Tank Risk
The FAA says some fasteners may have been produced without double overcoating sealant and some are susceptible to rotation, which could lead to loss of fastener clamping and cracking of the nut sealant cover. If not corrected, this condition could, in the case of a lightning strike, create a risk of a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane; the proposed AD aims to remove that unsafe condition.
A350-941 Fasteners Must Be Replaced
If you operate an Airbus A350-941, the FAA proposes that you must replace affected fasteners installed at Frame 46 and Frame 49 on both left- and right-hand sides of the center wing box and apply additional head nut cap protection (for example, sealant and corrosion-inhibiting protection) in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0210. The rule would require operators to follow all actions and compliance times specified in EASA AD 2025-0210 as incorporated by reference.
Estimated Per-Airplane Compliance Cost
The FAA estimates the maintenance action will take 64 work-hours at $85 per hour (labor $5,440) plus parts costing $480, for a total estimated cost per airplane of $5,920. The FAA estimates this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 5 airplanes of U.S. registry, for a total cost on U.S. operators of $29,600.
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03793, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus airplanes to include more models and clarify repair steps. Pilots and airlines flying these planes will need to keep checking door parts for cracks and fix them if needed. Comments on this plan are open until April 13, 2026, and these changes help keep flights safe without big costs.
Next: 2026-03796, Amendment of Class E5 Airspace Over Elizabeth City, NC
The FAA wants to expand the special flying zone (Class E5 airspace) around Elizabeth City, NC, to include a 6-mile radius around the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center Heliport, starting 700 feet above the ground. This change supports new flight procedures for safer helicopter landings and takeoffs. Pilots and local air traffic will be affected, and the public can share their thoughts by April 13, 2026—no extra costs involved!