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.
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Key Dates
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