Airbus Planes Face Mandatory Cargo Door Crack Probes
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants certain Airbus A320 and A321 planes to get special crack inspections on their cargo doors because tests found potential cracks that could be unsafe. Airlines will need to do these checks and fix any problems to keep flights safe. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and these inspections might cost some time and money but keep everyone flying worry-free.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Cargo Door Crack Inspections Required
The FAA proposes that certain Airbus A320 and A321 airplanes get a rototest inspection of the forward and aft upper corners of the bulk cargo door (sections 16 and 17) for cracks. The proposal would apply to the listed A320-211/212/214/216/231/232/233 and A321-111/112/131/211/212/213/231/232 models with an extended service goal; the FAA estimates it affects 1,069 U.S.-registered airplanes and estimates one inspection costs 4 work-hours (4 x $85 = $340), for a total U.S. operator cost of $369,460.
Mandatory Repairs Before Further Flight
If the rototest inspection finds any crack in the cargo door fastener areas, the crack must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the FAA Manager AIR-520, EASA, or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval; if no crack is detected, the affected area must be modified (cold worked) as specified. The FAA notes it has no definitive data to estimate the cost of on-condition repairs, but it lists a 4-hour labor estimate ($340) for a representative on-condition modification procedure.
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