Jet Stabilizer Scare: FAA Demands Gear Swap
Published Date: 4/15/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or fix MHI RJ Aviation ULC regional jets, listen up! The FAA wants you to check and possibly replace a worn gear part in the plane’s stabilizer to keep flights safe. This fix needs to happen soon and could cost some money, but it’s all about keeping the skies safe and smooth.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory stabilizer gear inspections
If you operate or maintain MHI RJ Aviation ULC regional jets (Models CL-600-2C10 Series 700/701/702; CL-600-2C11 Series 550; CL-600-2D15 Series 705; CL-600-2D24 Series 900; CL-600-2E25 Series 1000), the FAA proposes you must inspect the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) to check rubber bull gear (RBG) wheel part numbers. The proposed airworthiness directive requires those inspections to identify affected parts before further flight or maintenance actions.
Replace worn stabilizer gear; installation ban
If inspections find prematurely worn teeth on the rubber bull gear (RBG) wheel in the HSTA, you must perform on-condition replacement of the affected RBG wheels. The proposal also prohibits installing affected parts under certain conditions as specified in the Transport Canada AD that the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10781 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA is hitting pause on a rule that would have made Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent engines replace certain low-pressure compressor blades because more blades might be affected than first thought. This means owners and operators of these engines won’t have to act just yet while the FAA digs deeper. Keep an eye out—new rules could pop up once the FAA finishes its review, possibly affecting maintenance schedules and costs.
2026-10801 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for certain Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes because some bolts in seat rails have been breaking. Airlines must swap out nylon bushes for stronger bronze ones and can’t use the old parts anymore. This fix starts July 6, 2026, keeping passengers safer without breaking the bank.
2026-10800 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is rolling out new safety rules for many Airbus A319, A320, and A321 airplanes because extra weight from rudder repainting or repairs might cause stability problems. Airlines must check for airframe vibrations after any vibration event, report what they find, and fix issues if needed. These rules kick in on June 15, 2026, and could mean some extra work and costs for operators to keep flights safe.
2026-10806 — Airworthiness Directives; Goodrich Cabin Attendant Seats
The FAA is making sure certain Goodrich cabin attendant seats on Airbus A330 and A340 planes are safe by requiring airlines to replace some faulty seat parts and update their labels. This fix starts July 6, 2026, and helps prevent seat problems during flights. Airlines will need to spend time and money swapping out the parts to keep everyone safe and comfy.
2026-10802 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with certain Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a production mistake affecting the windshield frames and now requires regular detailed inspections and fixes to keep everyone safe. These new rules kick in July 6, 2026, so airlines should prepare for some extra checks that might cost time and money but keep flights secure.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06354 — Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding
M&M Broadcasters wants the FCC to rethink adding a new FM radio channel in Adamsville, Texas. They argue the channel should be moved to Richland Springs, Texas, instead. This change could affect local radio options and how the airwaves are used, with decisions coming soon.
Next: 2025-06370 — Special Local Regulation; Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern, NC
The Coast Guard wants to set special rules to keep everyone safe during annual raft races on the Neuse and Trent Rivers in New Bern, NC. On certain Saturdays in June, only race participants and authorized people can be in the race area. This means boaters not in the race will have to stay clear, helping prevent accidents and keep the fun flowing smoothly.