Airbus Canada Jets Get New Engine-Control Software Requirements
Published Date: 7/30/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 planes, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to keep engines safer by requiring a new software update for the electronic engine controls, plus keeping the old manual procedures. This rule kicks in on September 3, 2026, and helps prevent engine leaks without costing a fortune.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required engine EEC software update
You must install Pratt & Whitney electronic engine control (EEC) software version 2.12.1 or a later approved version on both engines of affected BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. This AD applies to 152 U.S.-registered airplanes and is effective September 3, 2026. The FAA estimates the software upgrade is 10 work-hours per airplane (estimated cost $850 per airplane) and totals $129,200 for U.S. operators.
Flight manual must keep manual isolation steps
You (airline operators and flightcrews) must keep the airplane flight manual (AFM) procedures that tell crews how to manually isolate the opposite engine in the event of a large engine bleed duct leak. The FAA continues the AFM revision requirement carried over from AD 2025-06-01 and this AD is effective September 3, 2026. The FAA estimates the retained AFM action costs 1 work-hour at $85 per airplane.
Operators may modify or replace EEC; later versions allowed
The AD allows operators to either modify the EEC software or replace the EEC with one that has software version 2.12.1 or a later approved version as an optional method of compliance. The FAA states it is not likely operators would need to replace the EEC to complete the software upgrade, and some or all costs may be covered under warranty.
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