The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule regarding the airworthiness of certain Airbus Canada Limited Partnership Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes. This rule addresses a safety issue where lightning diverter strips on nose radomes were painted during production, which can weaken lightning protection. The directive requires inspections for paint and mandates the replacement of these diverter strips if necessary to prevent potential lightning damage to aircraft equipment. The rule is effective April 9, 2025, and compliance is mandatory for operators of affected aircraft models in the U.S.
Simple Explanation
The FAA wants to make sure some airplanes are safe from lightning, so they're telling people to check if special strips on the front of these planes are painted, which could make them less safe during storms. If the strips are painted, they need to be changed to keep everyone safe.