Boeing 747 Operators Face New Fuel-Pump Inspections Under FAA Rule
Published Date: 11/2/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate certain Boeing 747-400 and -8 airplanes, this new FAA rule means you’ll need to regularly check specific fuel pump parts for damage and fix any problems found. These inspections start December 7, 2026, to keep flights safe and avoid costly repairs later. The rule also restricts using certain parts unless they meet safety standards.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory repetitive pump inspections
If you own or operate certain Boeing 747-400 and 747-8 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-28A2373 RB (dated November 6, 2025), you must begin repetitive inspections for damage to the transfer pump housing inlet check valves and transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapters for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank starting December 7, 2026. You must follow the inspection times and on-condition actions specified in that Boeing Requirements Bulletin.
Parts installation restriction
As of December 7, 2026, you may not install a Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire horizontal stabilizer fuel transfer pump housing, transfer pump housing inlet check valve, or transfer pump motor impeller into the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank unless the parts have been inspected per paragraph (g) of the AD and determined to be serviceable as defined in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-28A2373 RB (dated November 6, 2025).
Estimated compliance and replacement costs
The FAA estimates this AD affects 31 U.S.-registered airplanes. The agency estimates each inspection action costs $1,530 (18 work-hours at $85/hour) and totals $47,430 across U.S. operators per inspection cycle for each inspection action. On-condition replacement costs are estimated up to $2,570 for a pump impeller replacement, $1,970 for an inlet check valve replacement (Option 1), and up to $20,170 for a transfer pump housing replacement (Option 2).
Special flight permits allowed with limits
Special flight permits may be issued to ferry an airplane to a location where the AD actions can be performed, but only if the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank is defueled and both transfer pump circuit breakers are locked in the "open" position as specified in the AD. These permits are issued under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199.
AD classified as interim action — possible future rulemaking
The FAA considers this AD an interim action and notes the main and center wing tanks use the same pump design but are not currently subject to this unsafe condition; the FAA may consider further rulemaking for those tanks if further analysis or reports change the assessment.
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: 2026-22310, Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. Airplanes
If you own or fly a Diamond DA 40, DA 40 F, or DA 40 NG airplane, listen up! The FAA found some passenger doors might pop open mid-flight, so they’re making you update your flight manual, check and fix door parts, and add safety signs. These fixes start December 7, 2026, and could cost some money but keep everyone safer in the sky.
Next: 2026-22318, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes get a thorough check on their wing fuel tank sealants because some missed inspections during production. Starting December 7, 2026, airlines must inspect and test these sealants to keep flights safe. This might cost some time and money but keeps everyone flying worry-free!