Federal Register #2026-09381

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 Airplanes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (primary aircraft OEM) - Bombardier, Inc. (previous type certificate holder) - Spirit AeroSystems (slat track component OEM and service bulletin issuer) - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive cleaning, greasing, and inspection of slat tracks on 161 U.S.-registered Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes - Rework non-destructive test (NDT) inspection for slat tracks previously repaired using inappropriate NDT methods - Compliance with procedures from Transport Canada AD CF202561 and Spirit AeroSystems Service Bulletin 500SHW574201 - Unique/Notable Requirements: - No specific products or part numbers are being procured; the directive mandates maintenance and inspection services - Focus on addressing corrosion, wear, and improper repairs on slat tracks to ensure continued airworthiness - Estimated labor cost per airplane is up to $21,845 - Affects 161 U.S.-registered airplanes - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198 (contracting/government office) - Procedures reference Transport Canada and Spirit AeroSystems Belfast (for technical compliance)

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-25-05, which applies to certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. The existing AD requires repetitive cleaning, greasing, and inspections of slat tracks to prevent damage or corrosion. The proposed AD continues these requirements and adds a rework non-destructive test (NDT) inspection on all slat tracks previously repaired using inappropriate NDT methods to address potential undetected cracks. This action aims to prevent unsafe conditions that could lead to catastrophic structural damage due to slat panel loss.

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