FAA Eyes Tighter Rules for Regional Jets: Safety First, Thrills Last
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update maintenance rules for certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC regional jets (formerly Bombardier models) to keep them safe. This means airlines must follow new or stricter maintenance tasks soon, based on Canadian safety advice. Comments are open until April 21, 2025, and while this might add some work, it helps keep flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated compliance cost per operator
The FAA estimates this proposed AD affects 556 U.S.-registered airplanes and that revising the maintenance or inspection program will take an average of 90 work-hours per operator. The FAA estimates an average total cost per operator of $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour).
Operators must revise maintenance programs
If you operate any affected MHI RJ (formerly Bombardier) Model CL-600 series airplane, you must revise your maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new or more restrictive aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) tasks specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2019-44 as introduced by Temporary Revision ALI-0735 dated April 15, 2020, or later approved revisions. The AD requires the AMM tasks (including interval limitations) to be incorporated, and the initial compliance time is the later of before the applicable interval since entry into service or within 30 days after the effective date of this FAA AD.
No alternative actions or intervals allowed without approval
After you revise your maintenance or inspection program as required, you may not use alternative actions or intervals (for example, different inspections or schedules) unless you obtain an approved alternative method of compliance (AMOC) from the FAA. Requests for AMOCs must follow 14 CFR 39.19 and be sent to the Manager, International Validation Branch.
Which airplane models are affected
This proposed AD applies to all MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700/701/702), CL-600-2C11 (Series 550), CL-600-2D15 (Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Series 1000) airplanes certificated in any category.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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