Pilots Get New Flap Procedures for Bombardier Jets
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Bombardier CL-600 series airplanes to update their flight manuals with new steps for pilots to handle unexpected flap movements during flight. This change is to keep flights safer and avoid flap problems that could cause trouble in the air. Owners and operators should comment by July 10, 2026, and expect to spend some time updating manuals but no big costs are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Pilot Procedures Improve Safety
The rule requires AFM changes that give pilots new steps to follow if flaps move on their own in flight. The change responds to an event where flaps moved from 0 to 45 degrees with a FLAPS FAIL caution and could lead to loss of control, so the new procedures aim to reduce that safety risk for flightcrews and passengers.
Owners Must Update Flight Manuals
If you own or operate a Bombardier CL-600 series airplane, you must revise the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) to add new procedures for handling uncommanded flap movements. The FAA estimates this will affect 610 U.S.-registered airplanes and take 1 work-hour per airplane at $85 each, for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $51,850.
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