Bombardier Jets Get Trim Switch Relay Safety Upgrade
Published Date: 2/10/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or fly Bombardier BD-100-1A10 airplanes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where the horizontal stabilizer could move on its own because of faulty trim switch wiring. To fix this, operators must install new pitch/roll trim switch relays by March 17, 2025, keeping flights safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory retrofit for BD-100-1A10s
If you own or operate a Bombardier Model BD-100-1A10 with serial numbers 20003 through 20500 or 20501 through 20936, you must install pitch/roll trim switch relays within 3,000 flight hours or 5 years (whichever occurs first) from March 17, 2025. The rule references Bombardier Service Bulletin 100-27-22 or 350-27-012 dated December 29, 2022 for the installation procedures.
Estimated retrofit cost to operators
The FAA estimates the AD affects 359 U.S.-registered airplanes. The agency estimates up to 45 work-hours at $85 per hour for labor, parts cost up to $7,407 per airplane, and a total cost on U.S. operators of up to $2,659,113.
Fixes unsafe stabilizer wiring problem
The AD responds to incidents where a trim switch wiring problem caused uncommanded horizontal stabilizer nose-down motion. The FAA found that if not fixed, this could increase crew workload, reduce safety margins, and potentially lead to loss of control; the AD requires the relay installation to address that unsafe condition.
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