Bolt Check Alert: FAA Targets Regional Jet Safety Upgrades
Published Date: 1/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC regional jets (formerly Bombardier models) to keep them flying safely. They’re asking owners to keep checking bolts regularly and now replace some hardware to fix a safety issue. Comments are open until March 13, 2026, and these changes might cost some time and money but will keep flights safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory H‑Stab Hardware Replacement
If you operate the listed MHI RJ (formerly Bombardier) regional jets, the FAA proposes to require replacing the horizontal stabilizer (H‑Stab) anti‑yaw steady fitting block hardware. Transport Canada required that replacement within 6,600 flight hours or 6 years (whichever occurs first), and the FAA proposes to mandate that action to address loose or missing bolts that can lead to loss of the horizontal stabilizer.
Repetitive Torque Checks Every 2,200 Hours
The proposed AD continues the requirement for repetitive torque checks of the H‑Stab anti‑yaw steady fitting block bolts at intervals not to exceed 2,200 flight hours. The FAA estimates the retained inspection action can take up to 6 work‑hours at $85 per hour (up to $510 per airplane) each time it is performed.
Estimated Fleet Compliance Costs
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 597 U.S. airplanes. Estimated costs: retained actions up to $510 per airplane (total up to $304,470 on U.S. operators), new proposed actions $622 per airplane (7 work‑hours at $85/hr plus $27 parts; total $371,334 on U.S. operators), and any on‑condition action up to $113 per airplane (1 work‑hour at $85 plus up to $28 parts).
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