FAA to Planes: Stop Leaking Fuel, Pretty Please
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16502, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-26-03, which applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000- CE, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-G, and Trent 1000-H engines. AD 2025-26-03 requires repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the high-pressure compressor (HPC) rear drum cavity and cavities between each HPC rotor disc, and depending on the results of inspection, removal of the engine from service. AD 2025-26-03 also allows an alternative method of complying with the repetitive BSIs if certain actions are accomplished. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-26-03, RRD published updated service material with a revised bolting arrangement at the HPC rotor shaft to high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor disc interface to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require repetitive BSIs of the HPC rear drum cavity and cavities between each HPC rotor disc, and depending on the results of inspection, removal of the engine from service. This proposed AD would also allow an alternative method of complying with BSIs if certain actions are accomplished, and require modification of the bolting arrangement as a terminating action for the repetitive BSIs. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16506, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
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.