FAA Issues AD Addressing Flap Failures

The FAA has issued an NPRM for a new AD to supersede an August 13 directive that addresses a history of flap failures on the Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ440 regional jets. Issued on October 17, the notice proposes adding requirements for flight crewmember simulator training on reduced- or zero-flap landing, performing a pressure test of the flexible driveshaft within 24 months or 4,000 hours of the effective date and doing a low-temperature torque test of the flap actuators within 24 months. The proposed rule would retain the requirements of the current AD, which requires operators to revise the airplane flight manual to reflect new operational restrictions and train flight crewmembers and operational control/dispatch personnel on the procedures and maintenance actions. The new AD will not affect Challengers, according to a Bombardier spokeswoman.