Bombardier Jets Need Extra Checkups, FAA Says
Published Date: 4/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate Bombardier CL-600 series airplanes, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance plans with new, stricter safety checks to keep flying safe. This change aims to fix potential safety issues and must be done soon. Comments on this proposal are open until May 27, 2025, so get ready to act and keep your planes in top shape without surprise costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Must update maintenance programs within 90 days
If you own or operate affected Bombardier CL-600 series airplanes, you must revise your existing maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the specified Time Limits/Maintenance Checks (TLMC) and Temporary Revisions within 90 days after the AD’s effective date. The AD says the initial task compliance time is either the time in the TLMC/TR or within 90 days after the effective date, whichever is later.
FAA cost estimate: $7,650 per operator
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 427 U.S.-registered airplanes and that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, at $85 per work-hour, for an average cost of $7,650 per operator.
Special 12‑year compliance rule for HSTA task
For CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) airplanes S/Ns 5301–5665 and 5701–6049, the initial compliance time for task 27-42-01-110 (Special Detailed Inspection of the Horizontal Stabilizer Trim Actuator, P/N 604-92305-7 and subs) is either (1) within 12 years after replacement with P/N 604-92305-7 if replaced per AD 2015-05-07, or (2) within 12 years from the part entry into service for P/N 604-92305-7 manufactured before November 1, 2015, or within 90 days after the AD’s effective date, whichever occurs later.
New life limit and visual-check tasks introduced
Temporary Revisions included in the proposed AD introduce a life limit (discard requirement) for nosewheel-steering/rudder-pedal potentiometer coupling setscrews, part number B0201102-2-220, and add a required visual check of the forward pressure bulkhead cap angle (aft side). These TRs (e.g., TR No. 5-2-5 dated October 16, 2023; TRs dated October 25, 2023; and TRs dated December 23, 2022) must be incorporated into maintenance programs per the AD.
Which airplanes are covered (models & serials)
This proposed AD applies to all Bombardier Model CL-600-1A11 (600), CL-600-2A12 (601), CL-600-2B16 (601-3A and 601-3R) airplanes, and CL-600-2B16 (604 Variant) serial numbers 6050 through 6192 inclusive. Bombardier 604 Variant airplanes with serial numbers 6193 and subsequent were excluded from the applicability in this proposal.
No alternative actions allowed without FAA AMOC
After you revise your maintenance or inspection program as required, you may not use alternative actions or intervals unless an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) is approved by the FAA under the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
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Key Dates
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