FAA to Planes: Swap Valves or Skip the Ice—Safety First!
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to fix a problem with certain Airbus Canada airplanes where some valves that control pressure have been failing. They’re asking airlines to update their flight manuals, avoid flying in certain icy conditions, and replace the faulty valves with better ones. Comments are open until May 8, 2026, and these changes will help keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory PRSOV Replacement Cost
The proposed AD requires replacing affected left/right engine PRSOVs P/N 70115B010001 with redesigned PRSOVs P/N 70115C010001 and replacing the PRSOV precooler sense hose assembly P/N 999D0004-513 with P/N 999D0004-515. The FAA estimates this AD would affect 112 U.S.-registered airplanes and cost up to $31,261 per airplane (labor up to 13 work-hours at $85/hr = $1,105 plus parts up to $30,156), for a total estimated U.S. operator cost of up to $3,501,232.
Icing-Condition Operation Restriction
The proposed AD would prohibit operation in known or forecasted icing conditions under certain Minimum Equipment List (MEL) provisions when the only operative pressure regulating shutoff valve (PRSOV) installed is part number 70115B010001. That restriction comes from Transport Canada AD CF-2025-20 and is incorporated into this FAA proposal.
New BLEED LEAK AFM Procedures
Operators must revise the airplane flight manual (AFM) to add L BLEED LEAK and R BLEED LEAK (Caution) procedures that tell pilots to reduce the thrust lever or shut down the engine when the BLEED LEAK caution message is persistent. These AFM changes come from Transport Canada AD CF-2025-20 (dated April 15, 2025) and must be complied with under the proposed FAA AD.
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