FAA Orders Fuel Valve Fixes for Airbus Canada Planes
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is requiring certain Airbus Canada airplanes (models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11) to replace faulty fuel transfer float valves that can get stuck and block fuel flow between tanks. This fix is needed to keep flights safe, especially for planes flying long distances under special rules. The new rule kicks in on April 8, 2026, so affected operators should plan for the update soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
ETOPS Airbus Canada planes must replace valves
If you operate Airbus Canada Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 airplanes that are approved for ETOPS (extended-range twin-engine operation), you must replace the existing fuel transfer float valves to prevent them from failing closed. This AD is effective April 8, 2026, and follows Transport Canada AD CF-2024-37; if both float valves fail closed during an ETOPS flight, fuel in the center tank can become unusable and could cause diversion, fuel starvation, or engine shutdown.
Estimated compliance costs and U.S. fleet size
The FAA estimates this AD affects 35 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates up to 16 work-hours per airplane at $85 per hour (up to $1,360 labor cost per airplane) and lists total U.S. operator cost up to $47,600; parts cost is unknown and may be provided at no charge by the manufacturer for a limited time.
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