FAA Mandates Bolt Checks on Regional Jet Stabilizers
Published Date: 11/5/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate certain MHI RJ Aviation ULC regional jets (formerly Bombardier models), the FAA wants you to regularly check and tighten bolts on a key part of the plane’s tail to keep it safe. This new rule starts November 20, 2025, and helps prevent loose or missing bolts that could cause trouble. It’s a quick check that keeps flights smooth and safe, with no big costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory torque checks for tail bolts
If you own or operate certain MHI RJ (formerly Bombardier) regional jets — Model CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2C11, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, or CL-600-2E25 — you must perform repetitive torque checks of the horizontal stabilizer anti-yaw steady fitting block bolts. The AD is effective November 20, 2025, requires inspecting and torquing the four attachment bolts and replacing any loose or missing hardware, and repeating the torque checks at intervals not to exceed 2,200 flight hours. The FAA estimates this AD affects 597 U.S. airplanes and estimates a compliance cost of up to $510 per airplane (up to 6 work-hours at $85/hour).
Optional hardware replacement to stop checks
Transport Canada describes an optional hardware replacement that measures and reworks hole diameters and installs new bolts, nuts, washers, and cotter pins to create a double safety device; that replacement would terminate the repetitive torque checks but the FAA did not adopt that replacement requirement in this AD. The FAA is considering requiring the replacement as a terminating action (with a later compliance time) but currently allows replacement only as an optional terminating action; the FAA estimates the optional action costs about $622 per airplane (7 work-hours at $85/hour plus $27 parts).
Repairs if loose or missing bolts found
If inspections find loose or missing bolts, necessary on-condition repairs (replace hardware) may be required and are estimated to cost up to $113 per event (1 work-hour at $85 plus up to $28 parts). The AD also allows operators to request Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) from the FAA Manager, International Validation Branch, following the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
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