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.
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: 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!