2026-04239Proposed RuleWallet

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.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Comments Due
3/4/2026
4/20/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Transportation Department
Federal Aviation Administration
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