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.
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