Airbus Planes Get Stricter Maintenance Rules from FAA

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.

2026-19082, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating cracks in the bear strap and stub frame at the forward galley door cutout. This AD requires inspections for existing repairs; an inspection for any crack of the fuselage skin, bear strap, and stub frame; repetitive inspections for any crack of the bear strap and stub frame; and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-19083, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material certifications. This AD requires an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings or replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track crown fittings, and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2026-19089, Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded nose landing gear (NLG) retraction. This proposed AD would require a leakage test of certain landing gear selector valves (LGSVs) and replacement, as applicable. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Next: 2026-19094, Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Engines

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) Model PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA, PW1521G- 3, PW1524G, PW1524G-3, PW1525G, PW1525G-3, PW1919G, PW1919G-RC, PW1921G, PW1921G-RC, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A engines with a certain high-pressure compressor (HPC) module installed. This proposed AD was prompted by six reports of clashing found on either the HPC 2nd stage rotor or 3rd stage rotor caused by contact with the corresponding HPC variable stator vanes (VSV). This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the HPC 1st stage, 2nd stage, and 3rd stage rotor rear rim surfaces for evidence of wear, scratching, or contact with the corresponding HPC VSV inner locating ring and, depending on the results, removal from service and replacement. This proposed AD would also require replacement of the HPC VSV bushing set as terminating action to the initial and repetitive BSIs of the HPC 1st stage, 2nd stage, and 3rd stage rotor rear rim surfaces. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.