Dassault Falcons Face Avionics Overhaul by FAA Deadline
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own certain Dassault Falcon 7X airplanes, the FAA has updated safety rules that require fixing a weak spot in the plane’s avionics system and updating flight manuals and equipment lists. These changes build on earlier rules and remove some planes from the list. The new rules kick in January 2, 2026, and might cost some time and money but make flying safer and smarter.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Optional EASy IV upgrade (expensive alternative)
The AD and incorporated EASA material describe an optional method of compliance by modifying the avionics architecture to the EASy IV standard; accomplishing that optional upgrade is available but can cost up to $808,064 per airplane (up to 302 work-hours at $85/hr = $25,670 labor plus up to $782,394 parts).
Required avionics system modification
The AD requires modifying the Falcon 7X avionics system to fix a weak point in the avionics architecture and making related AFM and MEL revisions. The FAA estimates the new required modification labor cost at 10 work-hours (10 x $85 = $850) per airplane and estimates this AD affects 160 U.S.-registered airplanes.
Keep AFM and MEL revisions
If you operate an affected Dassault Falcon 7X, this AD continues to require revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) and the operator's FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL). The AD requires the AFM revision within 2 months after September 1, 2022, and the FAA estimates the retained AFM and MEL revision action costs $170 per airplane.
Some Falcons removed from AD coverage
This AD removes certain Falcon 7X airplanes from applicability — specifically airplanes on which Dassault modification M2055, M2059, M2096, or M2097 were embodied in production — so those airplanes are not subject to the AD's required actions.
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.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21479 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes, listen up! The FAA found some weird noises coming from the nose landing gear and now requires regular checks and fixes to keep things safe. Starting January 2, 2026, these inspections must happen often, and some parts can’t be installed anymore—so airlines should plan for extra maintenance and costs.
Next: 2025-21482 — Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP)
The USDA is making crop insurance easier and fairer for farmers starting November 30, 2025. They’re updating rules to clear up confusing parts, remove some limits on selling crops directly, and change how certain coverages work—like stopping buy-up coverage for prevented planting. These updates affect farmers with contracts renewing in 2026 or later and aim to protect their crops better while simplifying the process.