Boeing 767 Wings Get Mandatory Crack Checks
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 767 airplanes stay safe by requiring special crack inspections around key wing parts. If cracks are found, repairs must be done to keep flights secure. This rule starts April 16, 2026, and helps prevent costly problems down the line for airlines and passengers alike.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory crack inspections on certain 767s
If you fly on certain Boeing 767-200, -300, -300F, or -400ER airplanes, the FAA now requires open-hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the fastener holes where the underwing longeron (UWL) fitting attaches, to find cracks before they reach a critical length. This AD is effective April 16, 2026 and applies to the airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-57A0148 RB, dated October 10, 2024.
Per-airplane inspection cost for operators
If you operate affected Boeing 767 airplanes, each required open-hole HFEC inspection is estimated at 170 work-hours × $85/hour = $14,450 per airplane. The FAA estimates 600 U.S.-registered airplanes are affected, with total estimated U.S. operator cost of $8,670,000 for the initial inspection.
On-condition repair costs if cracks found
If inspections find cracks, operators may need repairs such as fitting replacement, hole oversize repair, or part repairs. The FAA estimates a replacement action at 19 work-hours × $85/hour ($1,615 labor) plus $15,270 parts for a total estimated cost per replacement of $16,885. Repetitive HFEC inspections are estimated at $14,450 each.
Fuel-tank cap-seal requirement and thickness
The AD requires cap seals be applied to fasteners, fastener heads, threads, and collars inside the fuel tank with at least the minimum thickness dimensions shown in figure 1 to paragraph (h)(4) of the AD. The AD also requires certain fasteners installed per specified steps in the Boeing requirements bulletin to be cap sealed.
Compliance timing tied to fitting replacement
For initial inspections, where the Boeing bulletin lists compliance times measured from replacement of the underwing longeron fitting, this AD requires calculating that compliance time from when the fitting was replaced using either Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-57A0148 RB (Oct 10, 2024) or Revisions 1–5 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-57A0126 (dates: Nov 9, 2011; Mar 12, 2012; Nov 8, 2012; Apr 17, 2014; Apr 7, 2016). Some tables specify a compliance time of within 22,000 flight cycles or 80,000 flight hours after that replacement, whichever occurs first.
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: 2026-04814, Orders: Reporting by Regulated Entities of Stress Testing Results as of December 31, 2025; Summary Instructions and Guidance
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) just ordered certain financial companies to report their stress test results from the end of 2025 by March 5, 2026. These tests check if companies can handle tough money situations, helping keep the housing market safe and steady. If you’re one of these companies, get ready to share your results on time to avoid any penalties!
Next: 2026-04830, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for certain Airbus A350-941 airplanes because some landing gear parts have confusing serial numbers, which makes tracking them tricky. Airlines must check, inspect, and update records for these parts by March 27, 2026, to keep planes safe. This fix helps avoid safety risks without big costs but needs quick action from operators.