FAA Demands More Elbow Room in Airplane Engines
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants Bombardier BD-700-2A12 airplane owners to fix tight spaces between fuel and hydraulic parts that could cause safety problems. They’re asking for inspections and fixes to make sure everything has enough room to work safely. Comments on this plan are open until April 20, 2026, so owners should get ready to act soon and avoid costly repairs later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections and fixes
If you operate a Bombardier BD-700-2A12 airplane, the FAA proposes a rule requiring inspections and fixes to low-clearance areas in the right wing (fuel line flexible coupling, harness support bracket clip-nut, hydraulic system 3 lines, and fuel vent tube) to prevent an ignition source in the fuel tank in the event of a lightning strike. The FAA would require doing the actions specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-49 and is accepting comments on the proposal until April 20, 2026.
One-time compliance cost per airplane
The FAA estimates complying with this proposed AD would cost $2,693 per airplane (9 work-hours x $85 = $765 in labor plus $1,928 in parts). The FAA estimates the rule would affect 60 U.S.-registered BD-700-2A12 airplanes for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $161,580.
Possible additional on-condition repairs
If inspections find low-clearance conditions that require on-condition repairs, replacing the hydraulic system support brackets is estimated to cost $5,772 per airplane (14 work-hours x $85 = $1,190 in labor plus $4,582 in parts). The FAA states it cannot determine how many aircraft will need these on-condition 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
2026-06506 — 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: 2026-04208 — Proposed Amendment of Class C Airspace at Southwest Florida International Airport, FL; Public Meeting
The FAA wants to change the airspace rules around Southwest Florida International Airport to keep flights safe and smooth. Pilots, local airports, and anyone interested can join a free virtual meeting on April 29, 2026, to learn more and share their thoughts. Comments are open until May 29, 2026, and no costs or flight delays are expected from this early step.
Next: 2026-04260 — Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking To Amend the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule
NOAA is thinking about updating the rules that slow down boats to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale. They want to swap some seasonal speed limits for smarter, tech-based ways to keep whales safe while making life easier and less costly for boaters. If you have ideas, speak up by June 2, 2026!
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