FAA Targets Airbus Radio Glitches with New Safety Software Update
Published Date: 4/13/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus A319, A320, and A321 airplanes to fix a radio system problem that could cause communication issues. They’re adding a software fix and expanding the rules to cover more plane models, plus stopping the use of some old parts. Airlines need to act soon, with comments due by May 28, 2026, and should expect some costs to update their planes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Required DRAIMS software and wiring fix
If you operate the listed Airbus A319/A320/A321 airplanes, the FAA would require upgrading the DRAIMS software to the L4.3 standard and modifying wiring at the 3rd occupant human‑machine interface input. The FAA estimates the new action takes up to 7 work‑hours and $774 in parts per airplane (labor up to $595), for a total cost of $1,369 per airplane and $744,736 across 544 U.S. airplanes.
Immediate AFM emergency procedure insertion
Operators of the affected Airbus models must revise the Emergency Procedures section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to insert specified procedures within 7 days after June 11, 2025 (for airplanes covered by AD 2025-11-02) or within 7 days after the effective date of this AD for A321-271NY Group 1 airplanes. Completing the DRAIMS modification (the L4.3 upgrade) terminates this AFM revision requirement.
Ban on installing affected parts
The proposed AD would prohibit installation of the affected parts identified in EASA AD 2025-0118R1 on the applicable Airbus models. Maintenance organizations and parts suppliers cannot install those parts going forward under the terms of the AD.
A321-271NY added to AD applicability
The FAA would add Airbus Model A321-271NY airplanes to the list of airplanes covered by this AD, making those operators subject to the AFM revision and the DRAIMS L4.3 modification and the prohibition on affected parts.
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Key Dates
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