Falcon 7X Owners Face Another Round of Safety Checks
Published Date: 11/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate certain Dassault Falcon 7X airplanes, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance plans with new, stricter safety rules. These changes build on earlier ones to keep the planes super safe. Comments on this proposal are open until December 21, 2026, so act fast if you want your say!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
You must update maintenance program
If you operate a Dassault Falcon 7X with an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate issued on or before September 1, 2026, you must revise your maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the new airworthiness limitations specified in EASA AD 2026-0171 (dated September 4, 2026, based on Dassault Falcon 7X Maintenance Manual Revision 15, June 2026). The revision must be done within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
Estimated U.S. fleet impacted and labor cost
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 161 airplanes on the U.S. registry. The agency estimates revising an operator's maintenance or inspection program will take about 90 work-hours at $85 per hour, an estimated $7,650 per operator for the new proposed actions and an additional estimated $7,650 per operator for the retained actions from AD 2024-15-04.
Which Falcon 7X planes are excluded
This proposed AD does not apply to Falcon 7X airplanes that received an original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate issued after September 1, 2026. Also, airplanes commonly referred to as Model FALCON 8X (those with modification M1000) are noted as a marketing designation in the AD applicability language.
Doing the revision cancels old AD duties
If you accomplish the required revision of your maintenance or inspection program as required by this AD (paragraphs (g) or (j)), that action terminates certain requirements of AD 2014-16-23 (specifically paragraph (q) of that AD).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-22650, Purchasing and Property Management
The Legal Services Corporation is updating its rules about what counts as a 'capital improvement' on buildings by removing the minimum spending amount. This change helps track and manage funds better and makes sure money is used responsibly. If you get LSC grants, watch out—comments on this update are due by December 21, 2026.
Next: 2026-22665, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus A350 airplanes by adding stricter maintenance checks to keep them flying safely. This affects airlines operating these models and means they’ll need to follow new inspection schedules soon. Comments on these changes are open until December 21, 2026, so everyone has a chance to weigh in before the rules become final.