FAA to Airbus: Ditch Those Dodgy Flight Control 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 is to keep flights safe by stopping the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and swapping parts could cost some money but ensures safer skies for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Replace risky A350 flight actuators
The FAA proposes an Airworthiness Directive that would require replacing certain primary flight control actuators on all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes because those actuators were exposed to mechanical overloads during acceptance testing. The rule would also prohibit installing the affected parts to prevent actuator failure that could lead to loss of control of control surfaces or hydraulic-system loss.
Estimated repair cost for U.S. A350 operators
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 38 U.S.-registered A350-941 and -1041 airplanes and that required actions would take 10 work-hours at $85/hour (labor = $850) per airplane, with parts cost listed as $0, for a total estimated cost on U.S. operators of $32,300. These are the FAA's estimated one-time compliance costs if the AD is adopted.
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Key Dates
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