FAA Proposes Corrosion Fix for GE CF34 Jet Engines
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly planes with certain General Electric CF34 engines, heads up! The FAA wants to update the engine’s computer software because some engines showed warning messages caused by corrosion. This fix will keep flights safer and must be done soon, with comments on the plan due by January 2, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Memory Upgrade for 70 Engines
The FAA estimates 70 affected engines will also require an additional EEC FADEC memory upgrade from a three-sector to a seven-sector configuration. That upgrade is estimated at $49,680 per engine (labor $680 + parts $49,000), for a total U.S. operator cost of $3,477,600.
Prevents Engine Idle Lock Hazard
This proposed AD is meant to stop certain FADEC software versions from automatically reducing an engine to idle and locking the throttle until restart. The FAA says failing to address this could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of engine thrust control, and reduced control of the airplane.
Mandatory FADEC Software Upgrade
If you operate airplanes with the listed GE CF34 engines, you must replace certain EEC FADEC software versions within 12 months after the effective date of this AD. For Group 1 engines replace any software version V6.50 or earlier with V6.60 or later; for Group 2 engines replace any software version V5.60 or earlier with V5.70 or later. The FAA estimates this AD would affect 3,040 engines on U.S. registry and the basic remove-and-install cost is $1,340 per engine (labor $680 + parts $660), for a U.S. operator total of $4,073,600.
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: 2025-20088, Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Engines
The FAA wants to fix a safety issue with certain International Aero Engines AG models because some rotor blades can wear out and break. They’re proposing to require replacing these blades with safer parts to keep flights secure. Engine owners should act soon, as comments on this plan close by January 2, 2026, and the fix might cost some money but keeps everyone flying safe.
Next: 2025-20090, Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
The FAA wants Bell Model 407 helicopter owners to regularly check the pilot cyclic stick tube for cracks because some have broken or shown signs of wear. If cracks are found, the stick tube must be fixed or replaced to keep flying safe. Comments on this plan are open until January 2, 2026, and these inspections might cost some time and money but keep pilots safe.