FAA to Boeing Pilots: Peek at Those Landing Gear Cracks Regularly
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Boeing 777 pilots and maintenance crews to regularly check certain landing gear parts for cracks and damage to keep flights safe. These inspections will happen over and over, and if problems pop up, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until April 13, 2026, and while it might cost some time and money, it’s all about keeping planes flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated inspection cost per airplane and fleet
The FAA estimates each repetitive inspection cycle takes 35 work-hours at $85 per hour, costing $2,975 per airplane per inspection cycle. The agency estimates the rule would affect 311 U.S.-registered airplanes, for a total estimated cost of $925,225 per inspection cycle across the U.S. fleet.
Possible replacement expense for cracked parts
If inspections find a cracked MLG support beam lower stabilizer brace aft fitting, operators must replace it and follow post-replacement inspections. The FAA estimates replacement requires 41 work-hours at $85 per hour and identifies parts cost of $17,065 for that replacement.
Inspections reduce severe landing-gear failure risk
The FAA says cracks in the MLG support beam lower stabilizer brace aft fitting could lead to the main landing gear collapsing, potential fuel-tank breach, and possible fire or explosion. Repetitive inspections and repairs aim to reduce the risk of MLG collapse during takeoff, landing, or ground operations and improve flight safety for passengers and crews.
Mandatory 777 landing-gear inspections
If you operate or maintain Boeing 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, or 777F airplanes, the FAA would require repetitive inspections of the main landing gear (MLG) support beam lower stabilizer brace aft fittings and related parts per Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-57A0128 RB, dated June 2, 2025. The inspections include detailed checks and either open-hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections or ultrasonic inspections, and any cracked parts must be repaired or replaced and then reinspected.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06506 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for Bombardier airplanes to fix a problem where the nose wheel steering can act up during landing. Owners of certain Bombardier CL-600 models must replace specific screws in the nosewheel steering system and update their maintenance plans by May 8, 2026. This keeps flights safe and avoids costly repairs down the road.
2026-06563 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants Airbus A350-941 owners to fix a problem where some wing and belly parts weren’t tightened right during manufacturing. They’ll need to replace certain parts and add extra protection to keep the plane safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and the fixes might cost some time and money but will keep flights safe and sound.
2026-06543 — Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Binghamton, NY
The FAA is shrinking the controlled airspace around Greater Binghamton Airport from a 4.4-mile radius to 4.3 miles. This change affects pilots flying near Binghamton, NY, making the airspace a bit tighter but still safe and efficient. The new rules kick in on July 9, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone.
2026-06492 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to replace certain flight control parts that might have been damaged during testing. This change keeps planes safe by banning the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights smooth and secure.
2026-06527 — Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
If you own a Honda HA-420 airplane, listen up! The FAA says you need to replace your flap control pushrods with new, tougher ones that don’t need constant anti-rust treatments. This new rule kicks in on May 8, 2026, and helps keep your plane safe without extra hassle or cost from repeated maintenance.
2026-06534 — Airworthiness Directives; DG Aviation GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH) Gliders
If you own or maintain a DG-1000M glider, listen up! The FAA found cracks near the engine mount and is requiring inspections, maintenance updates, and new parts like a carbon fiber bracket to keep your glider safe. These changes kick in April 20, 2026, so get ready to inspect, adjust, and balance before then—safety first, and no surprise costs if you stay on top of it!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03758 — Statutory Liens
The National Credit Union Administration wants to clean up its rules by removing a confusing, unnecessary phrase about federal credit unions' lien powers. This change won’t affect how credit unions collect debts but makes the rules clearer and easier to understand. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until April 27, 2026, to speak up—no money changes, just smarter rules!
Next: 2026-03783 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA wants to make sure certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes stay safe by checking and possibly replacing some overheat detection parts that might have slipped through quality checks. Owners need to inspect these parts soon and can’t install any affected replacements. Comments on this plan are open until April 13, 2026, so time’s ticking to weigh in!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in