FAA Orders Software and Parts Upgrades for CFM LEAP-1A Engines
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate CFM LEAP-1A engines, get ready for some important updates! The FAA is requiring new software, wiring harnesses, and a heated pressure part to stop freezing problems and keep engines running safely. These changes kick in February 25, 2026, so plan ahead to avoid delays or extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory fixes to stop engine freezing
If you own or operate the listed CFM LEAP-1A engines, you must install new FADEC and PHM software, replace certain HJ6A/HJ6B wiring harnesses, and replace the pressure subsystem (PSS) with a heated PSS at the next engine shop visit after February 25, 2026. The rule targets LEAP-1A23 through LEAP-1A35A model variants and is meant to prevent icing in pressure sensor lines that caused aborted takeoffs and could lead to loss of engine thrust control.
Heated PSS replacement is very expensive
Replacing the pressure subsystem (PSS) with the heated PSS (P/N 2474M65P08 or later) costs an estimated $186,035 per engine (1 work-hour at $85 plus $185,950 parts). The FAA estimates this AD affects 306 engines on U.S. registry, giving a total estimated PSS replacement cost to U.S. operators of $56,926,710.
Harness replacements add significant expense
For engines with the older harnesses, you must remove HJ6A P/N 362-085-905-0 and HJ6B P/N 362-086-004-0 and install HJ6A P/N 362-085-906-0 and/or HJ6B P/N 362-086-005-0 (or later). The FAA estimates harness replacement costs $57,595 per engine (1 work-hour at $85 plus $57,510 parts) and totals $17,624,070 for U.S. operators across 306 engines.
Software update required at low labor cost
At the next engine shop visit you must install EEC FADEC software P/N 2590M00P13 version L1A0850 (or later) and PHM software P/N 2784M64P08 version PL1A0850 (or later). The FAA estimates the software install is 1 work-hour at $85 and $0 parts, or $85 per engine, with a total U.S. cost estimate of $26,010 for 306 engines.
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.
2026-10293 — Prohibition of Remote Dispatching
The FAA wants to stop airplane dispatchers from working remotely, except in emergencies when the main center is down. This change affects all domestic, flag, and supplemental airline operators and aims to keep flight safety tight and clear. Comments on this rule are open until July 21, 2026, so airlines and dispatchers should get ready for a new way of working that could shake up their routines.
2026-10270 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes to get a close check on their overheat detection sensors because some parts might not work right. If problems are found, those parts must be replaced, and no faulty parts can be installed anymore. This rule kicks in on June 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10256 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus EC130T2 helicopters, the FAA wants you to install a new fix on the tail rotor drive shaft and keep checking its vibration regularly. This update replaces old rules and stops certain parts from being used unless they meet new safety standards. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might cost some bucks, it’s all about keeping flights safe and smooth.
2026-10271 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes are safe by checking and fixing bolts on the baggage door that might have been tightened wrong. Owners need to inspect and adjust or replace these bolts by June 26, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix helps avoid any door problems and keeps passengers secure without breaking the bank.
2026-10272 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a backup fuel pump might fail quietly, trapping fuel that can’t be used. Starting June 8, 2026, airlines must regularly check these pumps and fix any issues to keep flights safe—no big wallet hits expected, just smart safety moves.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01092 — Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is updating its rules to follow new environmental laws and court decisions, making sure they protect nature while supporting energy projects. These changes affect how TVA checks the impact of its actions on the environment, especially wetlands and floodplains. The new rules start January 21, 2026, and TVA wants your feedback by February 20, 2026.
Next: 2026-01117 — Wagner-Peyser Act Staffing, Delay of Merit Staffing Compliance Date
The Department of Labor is giving States an extra year to follow new rules about how they staff job service programs funded by the Wagner-Peyser Act. Instead of needing to comply by January 22, 2026, States now have until January 21, 2027. This delay helps States manage their staffing changes without risking their grant money right away.