FAA Orders Crack Checks on Airbus A330 Wings
Published Date: 5/20/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes to get regular checks for cracks on certain wing parts to keep flights safe. If cracks are found, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these inspections might cost airlines some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections for A330 Sloping Ribs
If you operate Airbus Model A330-841 or A330-941 airplanes, you would be required to perform repetitive visual inspections of the external surface of each sloping rib and each slat 1 inboard seal in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0179. This is a proposed FAA airworthiness directive that applies to all A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes and is open for comment until July 6, 2026.
Repairs Must Be Done Before Further Flight
If cracking is detected on a sloping rib during any inspection required by this AD, the cracking 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 (DOA). For damage other than cracking, operators must contact Airbus for approved instructions and accomplish those instructions within the identified compliance time.
FAA Estimates: 37 U.S. Planes, $85 Each
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 37 U.S.-registered airplanes and that the required inspection takes 1 work-hour at $85, for a cost per airplane of $85 and a total cost on U.S. operators of $3,145. The FAA states it has received no definitive data to estimate costs for on-condition repairs.
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
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-13781 — Airworthiness Directives; Restricted Category Model CH-47D Helicopters
If you own or operate a restricted category CH-47D helicopter, the FAA wants you to check and report on certain parts of the right-hand forward transmission support beam to keep things safe. They’ve updated the rules to focus inspections more narrowly and give you more time to report findings. Comments on these changes are open until August 24, 2026, and following them helps avoid costly repairs or safety issues down the line.
2026-13777 — Notice of Request To Release Property at the Dare County Regional Airport Manteo, North Carolina (MQI)
The Dare County Airport Authority wants to free up 8.74 acres of land at Dare County Regional Airport so the county can use it for public works instead of airport stuff. The FAA is asking the public to share their thoughts by August 7, 2026, before deciding. This change won’t affect airport operations but will help the county redevelop the land for local needs.
2026-13723 — Notice of Intent To Designate as Abandoned Javelin Conversions, Inc.; Supplemental Type Certificates
The FAA plans to label 11 Javelin Conversions, Inc. aircraft modification certificates as abandoned because they can’t reach the company. This means the FAA will share the engineering data with anyone who asks, helping keep planes safe. If you want to comment, you’ve got until January 4, 2027, so don’t miss out!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09943 — Fees for Commercial Driver's License Information System
The FMCSA wants to start charging State driver agencies a fee to use the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), which helps keep track of commercial driver licenses. These fees will be collected by AAMVA, the group that runs CDLIS. If you’re part of a State agency, get ready for this change and send your thoughts by June 17, 2026!
Next: 2026-10076 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA wants to make sure Rolls-Royce Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines stay safe by stopping certain lubrication pumps from being installed unless they meet new rules. This comes after some engines shut down mid-flight because parts failed too soon. If you own or work with these engines, you’ll need to follow these new rules soon, but no big costs are expected.