Dassault Falcons Face Avionics Overhaul by FAA Deadline
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own certain Dassault Falcon 7X airplanes, the FAA has updated safety rules that require fixing a weak spot in the plane’s avionics system and updating flight manuals and equipment lists. These changes build on earlier rules and remove some planes from the list. The new rules kick in January 2, 2026, and might cost some time and money but make flying safer and smarter.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Optional EASy IV upgrade (expensive alternative)
The AD and incorporated EASA material describe an optional method of compliance by modifying the avionics architecture to the EASy IV standard; accomplishing that optional upgrade is available but can cost up to $808,064 per airplane (up to 302 work-hours at $85/hr = $25,670 labor plus up to $782,394 parts).
Required avionics system modification
The AD requires modifying the Falcon 7X avionics system to fix a weak point in the avionics architecture and making related AFM and MEL revisions. The FAA estimates the new required modification labor cost at 10 work-hours (10 x $85 = $850) per airplane and estimates this AD affects 160 U.S.-registered airplanes.
Keep AFM and MEL revisions
If you operate an affected Dassault Falcon 7X, this AD continues to require revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) and the operator's FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL). The AD requires the AFM revision within 2 months after September 1, 2022, and the FAA estimates the retained AFM and MEL revision action costs $170 per airplane.
Some Falcons removed from AD coverage
This AD removes certain Falcon 7X airplanes from applicability — specifically airplanes on which Dassault modification M2055, M2059, M2096, or M2097 were embodied in production — so those airplanes are not subject to the AD's required actions.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06471 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA wants to make sure certain Boeing 757-200 airplanes stay safe by checking for cracks in the front cargo area frames, especially those with special cargo loading gear. They’re asking airlines to inspect or review maintenance records and do regular crack checks to catch problems early. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and these inspections could mean some extra work and costs for operators.
2026-06459 — Airworthiness Directives; Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. Airplanes (Type Certificate Previously Held by M7 Aerospace LLC)
The FAA wants Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing airplane owners to regularly check and fix the pitch trim actuator because some have failed during flight. These inspections and fixes must happen often to keep planes safe, and certain parts can’t be installed unless properly sealed. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, so owners should prepare for some maintenance costs and deadlines.
2026-06385 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA wants all Boeing 757-300 airplanes to get new inspections to catch cracks in key parts of the plane’s frame before they become a problem. Airlines will need to check for past repairs and do regular crack inspections to keep flights safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and these checks might cost some time and money but will keep everyone flying safely.
2026-06377 — Notice of Final Action of Waiver With Respect to Land; DeWitt Field, Old Town Municipal Airport, Old Town, ME
The FAA has officially approved the release of federal rules on 1.74 acres of land at DeWitt Field in Old Town, Maine, which the city sold without permission in 2023. This means the city is no longer bound by FAA land-use rules for that property, but it doesn’t guarantee any FAA money for the sale. Airport officials and local folks can now move forward with this change, which was finalized in early 2026.
2026-06465 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
If you fly Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem with a motor that controls air pressure, which could cause safety issues. Starting April 17, 2026, certain flights can’t take off if this motor or related alerts aren’t working right, so operators need to check carefully to keep everyone safe.
2026-06369 — Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
If you own or fly a Bell Model 505 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a problem where weights in the back could break loose and hit the tail rotor, which is super dangerous. Starting April 16, 2026, you can’t use those ballast weights anymore, and you’ll need to update your flight manual. This fix keeps everyone safe without costing a fortune, but don’t wait to make the change!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21479 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A350-941 and -1041 planes, listen up! The FAA found some weird noises coming from the nose landing gear and now requires regular checks and fixes to keep things safe. Starting January 2, 2026, these inspections must happen often, and some parts can’t be installed anymore—so airlines should plan for extra maintenance and costs.
Next: 2025-21482 — Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP)
The USDA is making crop insurance easier and fairer for farmers starting November 30, 2025. They’re updating rules to clear up confusing parts, remove some limits on selling crops directly, and change how certain coverages work—like stopping buy-up coverage for prevented planting. These updates affect farmers with contracts renewing in 2026 or later and aim to protect their crops better while simplifying the process.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in