Airbus Fastener Checks Required by FAA
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is rolling out new safety checks for certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes because some fasteners might not have been made quite right. Starting July 6, 2026, airlines must do special inspections regularly to catch any issues early and fix them if needed. This keeps flights safe but might mean some extra maintenance time and costs for operators.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections for Airbus models
Operators of certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes must begin repetitive special detailed inspections (SDIs) and rototest or HFEC and rototest inspections, and perform any required repairs, in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0078. This AD is effective July 6, 2026 and applies to the specific models listed in the rule.
Estimated compliance cost per airplane
The FAA estimates the cost to do the required actions is up to 63 work-hours at $85/hour, for an estimated cost per airplane of $5,355. The AD affects 1,474 U.S.-registered airplanes and the FAA estimates total cost on U.S. operators up to $7,893,270.
Small-entity impact assessment
The AD will affect 23 domestic entities, of which 8 are identified as small entities. The FAA estimates the $5,355 cost per airplane is less than 3% of average annual revenue for all but one small entity, and therefore certified the AD will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
No FAA reporting requirement
Although the EASA material referenced would have operators submit certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA AD explicitly states in paragraph (i) that reporting is not required. Operators do not need to submit the reporting called for in the referenced EASA AD as part of complying with this FAA AD.
Operational exceptions to ease inspections
The AD includes exceptions that (1) replace a service bulletin instruction to remove "12 FASTENERS" with "9 FASTENERS", and (2) allow all fasteners to be removed from affected holes at the same time prior to non-destructive testing and corrective actions instead of removing one fastener at a time. These changes are intended to improve inspection efficiency.
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