FAA mandates leak hunts on Airbus jets' fuel shut-off valves
Published Date: 8/13/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, A330- 343, A330-841, and A330-941 airplanes; and Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of leaks on closed fuel low pressure shut-off valves (LPSOVs). This proposed AD would require repetitive leak checks of certain fuel LPSOVs and replacement of an affected part if any discrepancy is detected. This proposed AD would also allow the installation of an affected part under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory fuel-valve leak checks
If you operate the listed Airbus A330 or A340 models in the U.S., you must perform repetitive leak checks of certain fuel low pressure shut-off valves (LPSOVs) and replace an affected part if any discrepancy (for example, any leak) is detected. The FAA requires compliance by following European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0060R1 as incorporated by reference.
Estimated inspection labor cost $680 each
The FAA estimates the required leak check will take up to 8 work-hours at $85 per hour, costing up to $680 per affected airplane. The FAA estimates this AD would affect 115 U.S.-registered airplanes, for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of up to $78,200 for the required actions.
On-condition replacement cost $10,425
If a leak or other discrepancy is found, the FAA estimates an on-condition replacement would cost about 5 work-hours ($425) plus parts costing $10,000, for a total of about $10,425 per replacement. The FAA did not estimate how many aircraft will need this on-condition action.
Initial leak-check timing exception
Where EASA's table specified an initial compliance time between November 12, 2025, and March 3, 2029, the FAA AD requires accomplishing the initial leak check within 35 months after the effective date of this FAA AD. This replaces those specific calendar windows with a 35‑month window tied to the AD's effective date.
Which aircraft are covered
This proposed AD applies to all U.S.-certificated Airbus SAS Model A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, A330-841, and A330-941 airplanes; and Model A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes. Operators of those specific models must follow the inspection and replacement rules in the AD.
No reporting or parts-return required
Although the incorporated EASA AD asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer and to send removed parts to the manufacturer, this FAA AD explicitly does not require reporting or returning removed parts. Operators therefore do not have the obligation to send parts back or submit those reports under this FAA AD.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16566, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, - 251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a certain nose landing gear (NLG) sliding tube having widespread overheat damage and multiple cracks on the base metal during shop visits. This proposed AD would require a special detailed inspection (SDI) of the affected NLG sliding tube and replacement, as applicable. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Next: 2026-16569, Foreign Currency Gain or Loss of Controlled Foreign Corporations
This document contains proposed regulations providing rules relating to the determination and recognition of foreign currency gain or loss with respect to qualified business units ("QBUs") of controlled foreign corporations ("CFCs"). The proposed regulations provide an election under which a CFC generally would not be required to compute or recognize foreign currency gain or loss upon a remittance from a QBU, except in connection with certain inbound nonrecognition transactions.