FAA Proposes Software Fix for Airbus Flight Control Warning Systems
Published Date: 3/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus Canada airplanes by requiring a software upgrade to fix flight control issues. Pilots must first follow current manual warnings, but once the new software is installed, those warnings won’t be needed anymore. Comments on this proposal are open until May 2, 2025, and the update helps keep flights safer without big costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Must install updated PFCC software
If you operate an Airbus Canada Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 airplane covered by this AD, you must install updated primary flight control computer (PFCC) software (PFCC software part number 810-0337-009 on three PFCCs) and any applicable concurrent software updates as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2024-36. Installing the updated software terminates the temporary AFM revision required by the earlier AD.
Estimated U.S. fleet cost and affected count
The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 133 U.S.-registered airplanes. The retained AFM actions are estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) per airplane (total $11,305 for the U.S. fleet). The new software actions are estimated up to 5 work-hours plus up to $10,000 in parts, for a cost per airplane of up to $10,425 and a U.S.-fleet total up to $1,386,525.
Concurrent PFCC update requirement for certain airplanes
For airplanes identified in the 'Concurrent requirements' paragraph, you must accomplish the concurrent PFCC software update either prior to or concurrently with the installation required by Transport Canada AD CF-2024-36. For airplanes identified in AD 2023-12-09, that concurrent update must be done prior to or concurrently with the installation but no later than the compliance time in AD 2023-12-09; for other airplanes it must be done prior to or concurrently with the installation.
Continue AFM warning until software is installed
You must keep the revised Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) that adds a new warning and a limitation (including a prohibition on selecting or reselecting autothrottle during takeoff after thrust levers are advanced) until the updated PFCC software is installed. The AD restates that this AFM revision had to be done within 7 days after December 27, 2022 for compliance with the prior AD.
New-production airplanes excluded from retrofit
Airplanes produced with the updated software in production are removed from applicability: Model BD-500-1A10 airplanes with serial numbers (S/Ns) 50079 and subsequent, and Model BD-500-1A11 airplanes with S/Ns 55298 and subsequent are addressed in production and therefore excluded from the retrofit requirement.
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: 2025-03940, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or maintain Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes, listen up! The FAA wants to replace old crew oxygen cylinders with new, improved ones to keep everyone safe. You’ll need to swap out the old parts soon and can’t put the faulty ones back in. Comments on this plan are open until May 2, 2025, so get ready to act and keep those skies safe!
Next: 2025-04039, Air Plan Revisions; Arizona; Arizona Department of Environmental Quality; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is giving everyone more time to share their thoughts on Arizona’s updated air quality plan by reopening the comment period until April 21, 2025. This means residents, businesses, and environmental groups can weigh in before the EPA makes a final decision. No new costs or deadlines for the plan itself, just extra time to speak up and help shape clean air rules!