FAA Mandates Inspections and Fixes for Diamond Aircraft Fuel Tanks

2026-06471 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 757-200 airplanes stay safe by checking for cracks in the front cargo area frames, especially those with special cargo loading gear. They’re asking airlines to inspect or review maintenance records and do regular crack checks to catch problems early. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and these inspections could mean some extra work and costs for operators.

2026-06459 — Airworthiness Directives; Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. Airplanes (Type Certificate Previously Held by M7 Aerospace LLC)

The FAA wants Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing airplane owners to regularly check and fix the pitch trim actuator because some have failed during flight. These inspections and fixes must happen often to keep planes safe, and certain parts can’t be installed unless properly sealed. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, so owners should prepare for some maintenance costs and deadlines.

2026-06465 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

If you fly Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem with a motor that controls air pressure, which could cause safety issues. Starting April 17, 2026, certain flights can’t take off if this motor or related alerts aren’t working right, so operators need to check carefully to keep everyone safe.

2026-06377 — Notice of Final Action of Waiver With Respect to Land; DeWitt Field, Old Town Municipal Airport, Old Town, ME

The FAA has officially approved the release of federal rules on 1.74 acres of land at DeWitt Field in Old Town, Maine, which the city sold without permission in 2023. This means the city is no longer bound by FAA land-use rules for that property, but it doesn’t guarantee any FAA money for the sale. Airport officials and local folks can now move forward with this change, which was finalized in early 2026.

2026-06385 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA wants all Boeing 757-300 airplanes to get new inspections to catch cracks in key parts of the plane’s frame before they become a problem. Airlines will need to check for past repairs and do regular crack inspections to keep flights safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and these checks might cost some time and money but will keep everyone flying safely.

2026-06297 — Implementing Section 927 Waiver Process for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Operations

The FAA is rolling out a new waiver process to help drone operators fly in ways that don’t fit current rules. This change makes it easier and faster for certain unmanned aircraft to get permission without jumping through complicated hoops. Starting now, affected drone pilots can apply for these waivers, saving time and possibly money while keeping the skies safe.

Previous: 2026-05873 — Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2026 Recreational Season Announcement and Closure Date for Golden Tilefish in the South Atlantic

Starting March 27, 2026, recreational fishing for golden tilefish in the South Atlantic will be closed to protect the fish from overfishing. This means anglers have until March 26 to catch golden tilefish before the season ends. The closure helps keep fishing fun and sustainable for everyone who loves the South Atlantic waters.

Next: 2026-05885 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH

If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 D-3, listen up! The FAA found some bolts in the flight controls might crack because they weren’t properly checked during manufacturing. Starting April 30, 2026, those bolts must be swapped out for safer ones, and you can’t put the old bolts back in. This keeps your helicopter flying safe without breaking the bank.