FAA Orders Airbus Planes to Patch Engine Leak Risks
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly or work with Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 planes, listen up! The FAA wants to update safety rules by keeping the current flight manual changes and adding a new software update to the engines that helps prevent leaks. This means safer flights, but operators need to act before April 9, 2026, or risk falling behind on safety—and yes, there might be some costs to install the update.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory EEC Software Update
If you operate Airbus Canada Model BD-500-1A10 or BD-500-1A11 airplanes, this proposed AD requires installing Pratt & Whitney EEC software version 2.12.1 (part number 5324158-15) on both engines. The AD says updating the EEC software to version 2.12.1 on both engines is a terminating action to the flight manual change and must be done by following Transport Canada AD CF-2025-12 as incorporated by this FAA NPRM.
FAA Cost Estimates for U.S. Fleet
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 152 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates the retained AFM action costs $85 per airplane (1 work-hour x $85) totaling $12,920 across U.S. operators, and the new EEC software upgrade labor is estimated at $850 per airplane (10 work-hours x $85) totaling $129,200 across U.S. operators.
EEC Replacement Optional but Costly
The FAA lists replacing the EEC as an optional action but says it is not likely operators would need to replace the EEC to complete the software upgrade. The table shows EEC replacement labor as 9 work-hours x $85 per hour = $765 per product. The FAA also notes manufacturer warranty may cover some or all costs.
AFM Revision Requirement Remains
This proposed AD retains the existing requirement to revise the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to add procedures for the flightcrew to manually isolate the opposite engine in the event of a large engine bleed duct leak. That AFM revision remains required until the EEC software version 2.12.1 is installed on both engines (the AD states the software installation is a terminating action to the AFM revision).
Regulatory Compliance and Deadline Notes
This is a proposed AD that incorporates Transport Canada AD CF-2025-12 by reference; operators must comply with the actions and times in that Transport Canada AD as applied by this FAA NPRM. The FAA will accept comments on the proposal through April 9, 2026, and this FAA AD makes limited exceptions (for example, references to an earlier effective date are changed to April 22, 2025).
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
2026-06506 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for Bombardier airplanes to fix a problem where the nose wheel steering can act up during landing. Owners of certain Bombardier CL-600 models must replace specific screws in the nosewheel steering system and update their maintenance plans by May 8, 2026. This keeps flights safe and avoids costly repairs down the road.
2026-06563 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants Airbus A350-941 owners to fix a problem where some wing and belly parts weren’t tightened right during manufacturing. They’ll need to replace certain parts and add extra protection to keep the plane safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and the fixes might cost some time and money but will keep flights safe and sound.
2026-06543 — Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Binghamton, NY
The FAA is shrinking the controlled airspace around Greater Binghamton Airport from a 4.4-mile radius to 4.3 miles. This change affects pilots flying near Binghamton, NY, making the airspace a bit tighter but still safe and efficient. The new rules kick in on July 9, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone.
2026-06492 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to replace certain flight control parts that might have been damaged during testing. This change keeps planes safe by banning the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights smooth and secure.
2026-06527 — Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
If you own a Honda HA-420 airplane, listen up! The FAA says you need to replace your flap control pushrods with new, tougher ones that don’t need constant anti-rust treatments. This new rule kicks in on May 8, 2026, and helps keep your plane safe without extra hassle or cost from repeated maintenance.
2026-06534 — Airworthiness Directives; DG Aviation GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH) Gliders
If you own or maintain a DG-1000M glider, listen up! The FAA found cracks near the engine mount and is requiring inspections, maintenance updates, and new parts like a carbon fiber bracket to keep your glider safe. These changes kick in April 20, 2026, so get ready to inspect, adjust, and balance before then—safety first, and no surprise costs if you stay on top of it!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03494 — Age Search Service Fee Structure
The Census Bureau is planning to raise the Age Search service fee from $65 to $155 and speed-up fees from $20 to $50 to cover real costs. This affects anyone needing official proof of age from census records, like for Social Security or passports. Comments on these changes are open until April 24, 2026, so get ready to share your thoughts!
Next: 2026-03576 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly an Airbus H160-B helicopter, heads up! The FAA wants you to check the emergency life-raft’s personal locator beacon (PLB) battery and rope connections to make sure they work right. You might need to test, fix, or replace parts soon, and some parts won’t be allowed anymore. Comments on this plan are open until April 9, 2026, so get ready to act and keep flying safe!
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