FAA Opens Comment on Two Aviation Safety Rules: Airbus Stabilizer Fix and Wildfire Firefighter Transport

Airbus A330/A340 Stabilizer Actuator Directive

The FAA is proposing to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-26-06, which applies to certain Airbus SAS Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, -343, and -941 airplanes, and all Airbus SAS Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes. The proposed AD is published under Docket No. FAA-2026-8804 and affects regulations at 14 CFR 39. Comments are due by October 29, 2026.

The original AD 2024-26-06, issued as Amendment 39-22921 (90 FR 8901, February 4, 2025), required modifying the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) installation, implementing the electrical load sensing device (ELSD) wiring provisions, and installing and activating the ELSD with revised procedures, as well as additional actions for certain airplanes. The FAA issued that directive to address damage on the upper THSA secondary load path (SLP) attachment with consequent mechanical disconnection of the THSA, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane. The agency explains that the original directive was prompted by tests demonstrating that when the upper SLP of the THSA is engaged, the THSA might not stall, with consequently no indication of SLP engagement.

Since AD 2024-26-06 was issued, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) — the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union — superseded its own earlier directive and issued EASA AD 2025-0169, dated July 31, 2025. That EASA action determined that additional work is required on certain airplanes after the accomplishment of a prior modification. According to the document, depending on the configuration, the additional work includes application of sealant, modification of connectors, ensuring certain metallic clamps are tight on the conduit, and modification of the structure around frame 87. The FAA's proposed AD would continue to require all actions from AD 2024-26-06 and would add the newly identified work for the affected airplanes.

Wildfire Firefighter Transport on Restricted-Category Aircraft

Separately, the FAA has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) evaluating a future amendment that would permit firefighters to be transported to and from wildfire sites aboard certain restricted-category aircraft when the purpose of that transportation is to allow those firefighters to perform ground wildfire suppression. The comment deadline is November 13, 2026. The action would affect regulations at 14 CFR 21, 14 CFR 91, and 14 CFR 119.

The ANPRM responds to a statutory mandate in section 360, "Wildfire Suppression," of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. 118-63), which requires the FAA to issue a rule not later than 18 months after enactment of section 360 permitting the relevant special purpose operations. The document explains that under current regulations at 14 CFR 91.313(d), no person may be carried on a restricted-category civil aircraft unless that person is a flight crewmember, a flight crewmember trainee, performs an essential function in connection with a special purpose operation for which the aircraft is certificated, is necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated with that special purpose, or is necessary to accomplish an operation outlined in 14 CFR 91.313(h). Consequently, unless firefighters are essential to the aerial dispensing of liquids, transporting them to and from a wildfire site to perform active ground suppression on a restricted-category civil aircraft is currently prohibited.

The document notes that a restricted-category aircraft is one certificated with a restricted-category special airworthiness certificate and may only conduct special purpose operations as outlined in 14 CFR 21.25(b). The FAA explains these aircraft are limited in their operations because they are not subject to the same regulatory safety standards as aircraft holding a standard airworthiness certificate. The proposed amendments under consideration would affect 14 CFR 91.313 and 14 CFR 119.1. The agency states the amendment would apply to civil aircraft operations and public aircraft operations when the restricted-category aircraft is owned by a civilian operator, noting that under section 328 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, civilian operators that own restricted-category aircraft — even if contracted to conduct public aircraft operations — are subject to FAA's operating and maintenance regulations.

The FAA states it is using the ANPRM process to gather additional information to assist in developing a proposed rule and to assess its likely economic impact. The agency is specifically seeking public comment on the current availability of firefighter transportation resources, hindrances and needs influencing their transport, and cost-benefit considerations affecting the transport of firefighters on certain aircraft. The FAA states it will use comments to make decisions regarding the content and direction of a notice of proposed rulemaking or other future rulemakings related to section 360.

What to Watch

• October 29, 2026 — Deadline for public comments on the proposed AD superseding AD 2024-26-06 for Airbus A330 and A340 airplanes (Docket No. FAA-2026-8804).
• November 13, 2026 — Deadline for public comments on the ANPRM concerning transport of firefighters on restricted-category aircraft for wildfire suppression.

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