FAA Pushes Clamp Replacements for Safer Airbus Flights
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus Canada airplanes (formerly Bombardier C Series). They’re asking owners to keep checking fuel valves, inspect fuel tubes, and replace a part called the saddle clamp to keep flights safe. Comments are open until January 5, 2026, so operators should act soon to avoid costly fixes later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New inspections and part replacements
If you operate a BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 airplane (94 U.S.-registered airplanes affected), the FAA proposes you must continue repetitive operational checks, inspect motive flow fuel-feed tubes, and replace the saddle clamp per Transport Canada AD CF-2025-24. The FAA estimates the retained actions cost up to $1,403 per airplane and the newly proposed actions cost $1,214 per airplane; the agency estimates total U.S. operator costs of up to $117,810 (retained) and $114,116 (new).
Potential on-condition repair bills
If inspections find damage, the FAA estimates required on-condition repairs could cost up to $6,276 for retained on-condition actions and up to $6,150 for new proposed on-condition actions. The FAA states it cannot determine how many airplanes will need these on-condition repairs.
Manufacturer warranty may reduce costs
The manufacturer says some or all of the costs of complying with this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the out-of-pocket cost for affected operators. The FAA notes it does not control warranty coverage.
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