The FAA has proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-17-32 affecting multiple Bombardier Challenger aircraft, including Models CL-600-1A11 (Challenger 600), CL-600-2A12 (Challenger 601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and Challenger 604).

West Star Aviation is actively supporting Challenger operators with compliance planning and service bulletin incorporation related to this proposed nosewheel steering AD.

FAA Proposed AD: Background and Safety Concern

The proposed AD was issued following a reported event of uncommanded nosewheel steering during landing, despite touchdown on the runway centerline. The issue was traced to the nosewheel steering potentiometer universal coupling setscrews, which may loosen or degrade over time.

Required Actions Under Proposed AD 2025-17-32

If finalized, AD 2025-17-32 would require Challenger operators to:

• Replace the nosewheel steering potentiometer universal coupling setscrews
• Update the aircraft maintenance or inspection program to include new life limits for the setscrews

Approved methods of compliance are detailed in the following Bombardier service bulletins:

• SB 601-1114
• SB 604-32-033
• SB 605-32-010

West Star Aviation Challenger Compliance Experience

West Star Aviation has already incorporated these Bombardier service bulletins on many Challenger aircraft. Additionally, a new Time Limits/Maintenance Checks (TLMC) task now requires the discard of the nosewheel steering setscrews every 96 months following service bulletin compliance.

TLMC tasks are mandatory maintenance actions defined by Bombardier and are commonly introduced in response to FAA Airworthiness Directives to ensure the continued safety and reliability of critical aircraft systems.

Maintenance Support for Challenger Operators

As a leading Bombardier Challenger MRO, West Star Aviation provides comprehensive support for:

• FAA Airworthiness Directive compliance
• Bombardier service bulletin incorporation
• Challenger maintenance program revisions
• Long-term fleet planning and technical consulting

West Star Aviation continues to monitor the status of AD 2025-17-32 and will assist operators in preparing for compliance should the AD be adopted.