FAA Mandates Extra Checks on Airbus Slat Tracks to Prevent Cracks
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with certain Airbus Canada planes (formerly Bombardier C Series), this new rule means you’ll keep cleaning and checking the slat tracks to stop damage and corrosion. Plus, if those tracks were fixed before with the wrong test, you’ll need a special re-inspection to catch hidden cracks. The FAA wants comments by June 26, 2026, so get ready to act and keep those planes safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Ongoing Slat Track Cleaning Requirement
If you operate Airbus Canada Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 airplanes, you must continue repetitive cleaning and greasing of all slat tracks and do repeated visual inspections to prevent damage or corrosion as required by the AD. The rule keeps the retained actions from AD 2022-25-05 in place to avoid slat panel loss and potential wing damage.
Mandatory Rework NDT for Prior Repairs
If slat tracks on those same BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 airplanes were previously repaired using an inappropriate non-destructive test method, you must perform a rework NDT inspection on all those previously repaired slat tracks. The proposed AD adds this rework inspection requirement to catch cracks that may have been missed by the earlier improper NDT methods.
FAA Cost Estimates for Compliance
The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 161 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated labor costs are up to $1,275 per airplane for retained actions and up to $20,570 per airplane for the new proposed actions, for aggregate operator costs up to $77,775 and $3,311,770 respectively. On-condition inspection labor is estimated at $680 per slat track (8 work-hours at $85/hour), not including repair parts.
Updated Compliance Times for Stored/Low-Use Planes
The AD updates compliance times to account for airplanes in storage or those operated under a low utilization maintenance program. This change adjusts deadlines and inspection timing for operators with stored or low-use BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09377 — Safety Zone; James River, Richmond, VA
The Coast Guard wants to create a temporary safety zone on the James River in Richmond, VA, on June 13, 2026, from 9 to 10 p.m. This zone will keep boats and people at least 400 feet away from a fireworks show to keep everyone safe. If you’re planning to be on the river then, you’ll need special permission or stay clear—no fees, just safety first!
Next: 2026-09383 — Restoring Flexibility To Support Head Start Program Access
The government wants to give Head Start programs more freedom by removing some strict rules about staff wages and benefits. This change aims to save over $2 billion and help programs serve more kids better. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 11, 2026!