FAA to Airlines: Swap Out Those Test-Damaged Flight Parts Now!
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to replace certain flight control parts that might have been damaged during testing. This change keeps planes safe by banning the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights smooth and secure.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Fix avoids potential loss of airplane control
The FAA says certain primary flight control actuators may have reduced fatigue life after being exposed to mechanical overloads, which could lead to actuator failure and possible loss of control of control surfaces or hydraulic system loss. Replacing the affected parts and prohibiting their installation is intended to reduce that safety risk for flights operated with A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
Airlines must replace risky flight actuators
If you operate Airbus A350-941 or -1041 airplanes, the FAA would require replacing certain primary flight control actuators that were exposed to mechanical overloads and would ban installing those affected parts. The FAA estimates this proposed rule would affect 38 U.S.-registered airplanes and estimates a labor cost of 10 work-hours at $85/hour (total $850) per affected product, for a total U.S. operator cost of $32,300.
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Key Dates
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