New Wing Crack Inspections for Airbus A320 Family
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is rolling out new safety checks for certain Airbus A319, A320, and A321 planes because a manufacturing step didn’t go as planned. Starting June 18, 2026, airlines must regularly inspect key wing parts for cracks and fix any problems found to keep flights safe. These inspections might cost some time and money but are crucial to prevent bigger issues down the runway.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New recurring wing inspections for Airbus jets
Starting June 18, 2026, operators of certain Airbus A319, A320, and A321 models must do repeated inspections of fastener holes and look for cracking at the pressure deck membrane to center wing box attachment. The FAA estimates this AD affects 477 U.S.-registered airplanes and estimates the one-time compliance cost per airplane is up to $6,643, with a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of up to $3,168,711.
Possible extra checks and on-condition repairs
If inspections find issues, operators may need on-condition actions such as a rototest inspection that the FAA estimates costs $85 (1 work-hour at $85). The AD says the FAA cannot predict how many aircraft will need these on-condition repairs, and it notes the FAA has no definitive data to estimate repair costs.
FAA removes reporting requirement from EASA rule
Although the EASA service information calls for submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA AD does not include that reporting requirement. Operators therefore are not required by this AD to send that information to the manufacturer.
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