FAA Orders Checks on Rusty Wing Nuts for Airbus A320 Family
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 planes to get regular checks on certain wing nuts that might get really rusty and unsafe. They also want to stop using these rusty parts altogether. If you own or work with these planes, you’ll need to act before November 23, 2026, to keep flying safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory repeated inspections of wing slotted nuts
If you operate or maintain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, or A321 airplanes, the FAA would require repetitive inspections of slotted nuts having part number D57250182200 at the wing thrust spigots and corrective actions (including contacting Airbus for repair instructions) as specified in EASA AD 2025-0185. The FAA estimates each inspection cycle takes 2 work-hours at $85 per hour, i.e., $170 per inspection cycle, and the proposed AD would apply to 1,987 U.S.-registered airplanes.
Ban on installing affected slotted nuts
The proposed AD would prohibit the installation of the affected slotted nut, part number D57250182200, on the wing thrust spigots of the listed Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 airplanes.
Reporting inspection results — 1 hour burden
The proposed AD requires reporting inspection results, and under the Paperwork Reduction Act the FAA estimates public reporting will take about 1 hour per response (OMB Control Number 2120-0056).
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Key Dates
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