FAA Cracks Down on Boeing 787 Manufacturing Flaws with Inspections
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes stay safe by checking for cracks caused by manufacturing issues. They’re proposing regular inspections and fixes if needed to prevent problems. Airlines and maintenance teams should comment by April 27, 2026, and be ready for possible inspection costs and schedules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections and Repairs for 787s
The FAA proposes to require repetitive ultrasonic (UT) and detailed (DET) inspections for certain Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes, and applicable on-condition repairs if cracks are found. The required procedures and compliance times reference Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB570048 RB, Issue 001, dated August 11, 2025.
Estimated Compliance Costs and Fleet Size
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 17 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates up to 286 work hours × $85 per hour = $24,310 per airplane per inspection cycle, and up to $413,270 total for U.S. operators per inspection cycle; the agency has no definitive data for on-condition repair costs and notes some or all costs may be covered under warranty.
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: 2026-04991 — Air Plan Approval; Connecticut; Revision to the State Implementation Plan for Inclusion of Consent Order No. 8383-Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC and Negative Declaration for Rubber Tire Manufacturing Sources
The EPA wants to approve Connecticut’s plan update that includes new pollution controls for Algonquin Gas Transmission’s compressor station in Cromwell to help clean up the air. They also confirmed there are no major pollution issues from rubber tire factories in the state. This means cleaner air for local communities, with public comments open until April 13, 2026.
Next: 2026-05023 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 103 and FMVSS No. 104 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles; Incorporation by Reference
NHTSA is updating rules for windshield defrosting, defogging, wiping, and washing to better fit self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or pedals. These cars won’t have to follow old rules meant for human drivers, cutting costs and unnecessary requirements without hurting safety. The changes kick in about six months after the final rule, and manufacturers can still add these features if they want.
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