FAA to Airbus: Check those fire-prone air ducts pronto!
Published Date: 2/13/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus Canada planes are super safe by checking their air ducts. Some ducts didn’t pass fire safety tests, so the FAA plans to inspect and add fire-resistant covers if needed. This rule affects specific BD-500 models and aims to keep passengers safe without causing big delays or costs. Comments are open until March 31, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Inspect and Sleeve Non‑Compliant ECS Ducts
If you operate or fly on Airbus Canada Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 airplanes, the FAA proposes inspections of certain environmental control system (ECS) ducts (P/Ns D761189-105, D761189-501, D762232-509) made with material APF1180-7781. Any duct that fails the check must have a fire-resistant sleeve assembly installed, and installation of ECS ducts as replacement parts is prohibited under certain conditions, per Transport Canada AD CF-2024-21 (dated June 20, 2024). The rule responds to certification tests showing those ducts failed flammability requirements and could allow an uncontrolled cargo-compartment fire.
Estimated Compliance Costs for U.S. Operators
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 11 U.S.-registered airplanes and cost $1,020 per airplane (12 work-hours × $85/hour; parts $0), for a total estimated U.S. operator cost of $11,220. If on-condition work is needed based on inspection results, the FAA estimates 2 work-hours (2 × $85 = $170) per product for labor, with parts cost unspecified; the manufacturer said some or all costs may be covered under warranty.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2024-31573, Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Farm Credit Administration is updating rules to require some Farm Credit System institutions to get special combined audits to keep their financial reporting strong and clear. They’ve extended the time for folks to share their thoughts until March 31, 2025. If you’re part of these institutions, get ready for new audit steps that help protect money and trust!
Next: 2025-02506, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants Airbus A330 planes made since 2008 to get regular checks because a part wasn’t treated right during production. If problems show up, repairs will be needed to keep flights safe. Airlines must comment by March 31, 2025, and get ready for inspections that could cost time and money but keep passengers safe.