FAA to Airplane Owners: Check Those Baggage Door Bolts Now!
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Bombardier BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplane owners to check and fix bolts on the baggage door because wrong tools might have been used before. This means inspecting, tightening, or replacing bolts to keep flights safe. Comments on this plan are open until April 13, 2026, so owners should act soon to avoid safety risks and possible costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory bolt inspection and fixes
If you operate Bombardier Model BD-700-1A10 or BD-700-1A11 airplanes, the FAA would require you to perform a torque check and then re-torque, re-install, or replace affected bolts and nuts securing the baggage door stop fittings. The FAA estimates this would affect 45 U.S.-registered airplanes and cost up to $876 per airplane (8 work-hours x $85/hr = $680 labor plus $196 parts), with total U.S. operator costs up to $39,420; the AD also requires the corrective action "before further flight" where specified.
Reduces risk of cabin depressurization
The AD aims to fix improperly torqued baggage door stop fittings that could migrate, yield, or fracture and potentially lead to cabin depressurization. By requiring torque checks and corrective action, the rule is intended to reduce the safety risk to passengers and crew on the affected Bombardier BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes.
Manufacturer warranty may reduce costs
The manufacturer has stated that some or all of the costs for the required inspections and bolt repairs may be covered under warranty, which could lower the out-of-pocket expense for affected operators. The proposed rule still provides FAA-estimated costs, but warranty coverage could reduce that cost burden for operators.
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Key Dates
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