FAA Orders Radio Safety Fixes on Airbus A320 Family
Published Date: 7/10/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with certain Airbus A319, A320, and A321 models, this new FAA rule means you’ve got to update your flight manuals and install a software fix to keep radios working safely. The rule kicks in August 14, 2026, and also bans putting old, risky parts back in. This keeps everyone flying safer without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required DRAIMS software and wiring modification
You must modify the digital radio and audio integrating management system (DRAIMS) by upgrading to software L4.3 (which includes audio and RMP software upgrades and a wiring change). The AD affects 544 U.S.-registered airplanes; the FAA estimates up to 7 work-hours at $85/hour and parts up to $1,369 per airplane, with total U.S. operator costs up to $744,736. Accomplishing this modification terminates the AFM revision requirement.
Immediate AFM emergency-procedure update
If you operate affected Airbus A319/A320/A321 airplanes, you must revise the Emergency Procedures section of the airplane flight manual. For many affected airplanes the AFM revision was required within 7 days after June 11, 2025; for certain A321-271NY Group 1 airplanes the AFM revision must be done within 7 days after the effective date of this AD (August 14, 2026).
Prohibition on installing affected parts
This AD prohibits installation of the affected parts related to the DRAIMS/RMP issue. Operators and maintenance organizations may not reinstall or install those identified parts after this AD is adopted.
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