Bombardier Jets Leak Fuel from Oversized Rib Holes
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-2A12 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fuel leakage near rib 6 during production pressure testing. An investigation found oversized holes in a certain outboard shear-tie. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the fasteners and fastener holes at rib 6 for discrepancies and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory rib‑6 inspections on Bombardier jets
If you operate a Bombardier Model BD-700-2A12 airplane identified in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-39, you must inspect the fasteners and fastener holes at rib 6 for discrepancies and do any required repairs. The inspection must be done within 1,400 flight cycles from October 26, 2022, and any detected discrepancy (gaps under nuts, nut loosening, oversized/elongated/ovalized holes, or cracking) must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the FAA International Validation Branch, Transport Canada, or Bombardier’s Transport Canada Design Approval Organization.
FAA cost estimates for inspections and repairs
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 13 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated cost to inspect each airplane is 10 work-hours × $85 = $850 per airplane (total $11,050 for U.S. operators). If on-condition repair is needed, the FAA estimates 39 work-hours × $85 = $3,315 plus $635 parts = $3,950 per airplane.
FAA removes manufacturer reporting requirement
Transport Canada AD CF-2025-39 specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, but this FAA proposed AD does not require operators to submit that information. Operators are therefore not subject to the Transport Canada reporting requirement under this FAA AD.
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