FAA: Too Much Sealant Sticks Safety Hooks on Airbus A350 Jets
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes checked because a safety hook got stuck due to too much sealant. They’re asking for detailed inspections and fixes to keep everyone safe. Comments are open until November 23, 2026, so airlines should act fast to avoid any costly delays or risks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections for A350 girt bars
The FAA proposes a rule that applies to all Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes and would require a detailed inspection of each passenger/crew door girt bar fitting assembly and any applicable corrective actions in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0244 (dated October 30, 2025). The rule targets a safety hook stuck in the upward position caused by excessive sealant, which the FAA says could lead to girt bar disengagement and passenger door slide deployment failure during an emergency.
Estimated compliance cost per airplane
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 38 U.S.-registered A350-941 and -1041 airplanes and that the required inspection would take 1 work-hour at $85 per airplane, for a total estimated cost on U.S. operators of $3,230 (38 × $85).
Cost for corrective action if defect found
If a discrepancy is found on a door, the corrective action (removing excessive sealant and applying a thin layer) is estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) per door, with parts cost listed as negligible. The FAA states it cannot predict how many aircraft will need this on‑condition action.
Maintenance procedure limitations imposed
The incorporated EASA AD includes a maintenance requirement that prohibits the use of certain maintenance procedure (MP) tasks for the affected girt bar fitting assemblies; operators must follow those maintenance restrictions as part of compliance. The FAA text explicitly states the maintenance requirement prohibits use of certain MP tasks.
No manufacturer reporting required by FAA AD
Although EASA AD 2025-0244 specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, the FAA states this proposed AD does not include that reporting requirement, so operators would not have to send those submissions to the manufacturer under the FAA AD.
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Key Dates
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