Production Manager

Martha Jercinovich

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services.

<p>West Star Aviation is advising&nbsp;<strong>Bombardier Challenger operators</strong>&nbsp;of a newly issued FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) that addresses a critical — but easily correctable — component within the nosewheel steering (NWS) system.</p>
<p><strong>AD 2026-06506</strong>&nbsp;applies to:</p>
<ul>
<li>CL-600-1A11 (Challenger 600)</li>
<li>CL-600-2A12 (Challenger 601)</li>
<li>CL-600-2B16 (Challenger 601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 variants)</li>
</ul>
<p>This directive highlights how a small component can present a serious operational risk if left unaddressed.</p>
<h2>The Issue: Uncommanded Nosewheel Steering</h2>
<p>The AD was prompted by a confirmed event involving uncommanded nosewheel steering during landing, despite the aircraft touching down on the runway centerline.</p>
<p>The FAA has determined the root cause to be:</p>
<ul>
<li>Loose, worn, or degraded setscrews</li>
<li>Located in the nosewheel steering rudder pedal potentiometer universal coupling</li>
</ul>
<p>If these setscrews loosen or fail, the integrity of the steering input can be compromised — leading to unexpected nosewheel movement during critical phases of operation.</p>
<h2>AD Requirements</h2>
<p>To address this condition, the FAA mandates the following actions:</p>
<p>Immediate Compliance (See Paragraph G in the linked AD)</p>
<p>Operators must replace the affected setscrews in accordance with:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bombardier SB 601-1114</li>
<li>Bombardier SB 604-32-033</li>
</ul>
<h2>Ongoing Maintenance Requirement</h2>
<p>Operators are also required to revise their maintenance or inspection programs to include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A mandatory 96-month (8-year) replacement interval for the setscrews</li>
</ul>
<p>This establishes a recurring requirement to ensure long-term system reliability.</p>
<h2>Service Bulletin vs. Inspection Requirement: Key Clarification</h2>
<p>The applicable Bombardier Service Bulletins reference replacement of both the coupling and the setscrews.</p>
<p>However, it is important to note:</p>
<ul>
<li>The 96-month recurring requirement applies specifically to the setscrews only.</li>
<li>Full coupling replacement is not required at each interval, unless otherwise indicated by condition or inspection findings.</li>
</ul>
<p>Understanding this distinction can help operators better plan maintenance scope, cost, and downtime.</p>
<h2>Minimal Downtime, Maximum Impact</h2>
<p>The good news for operators: this is a straightforward correction with minimal operational disruption.</p>
<ul>
<li>Typical downtime approximately one day</li>
<li>Can be easily incorporated into scheduled maintenance events</li>
</ul>
<p>West Star Aviation has already successfully completed multiple installations related to this requirement, demonstrating both efficiency and familiarity with the procedure.</p>
<h2>West Star Aviation: Your Challenger Technical Resource</h2>
<p>West Star Aviation brings decades of experience supporting the Bombardier Challenger platform, including avionics, structures, inspections, and flight control systems.</p>
<p>As a trusted MRO partner, West Star provides:</p>
<ul>
<li>Expert interpretation of FAA ADs and OEM service bulletins</li>
<li>Efficient compliance planning to minimize downtime</li>
<li>Proven installation experience with repeatable, high-quality results</li>
<li>Integrated scheduling to combine AD compliance with other maintenance events</li>
</ul>
<p>Our teams understand not just the “what” of compliance — but the “how” to execute it efficiently.</p>
<h2>Plan Ahead for Compliance</h2>
<p>While the corrective action is technically simple, proactive planning ensures:</p>
<ul>
<li>Timely compliance (Refer to Paragraph G of the attached AD)</li>
<li>Minimal disruption to operations</li>
<li>Efficient coordination with other scheduled maintenance<br><br />
	<br><br />
	AD:<br><br />
	<a href="http://eadn-wc05-16412769.nxedge.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-06506.pdf-SECURED.pdf">http://eadn-wc05-16412769.nxedge.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-06506.pdf-SECURED.pdf</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Contact West Star Aviation</h2>
<p>If your aircraft is affected by AD 2026-06506, West Star Aviation is ready to support your compliance needs quickly and effectively. For more information on this AD, please contact any of the West Star Aviation specialists below:</p>
<h3>Randy Miller</h3>
<p>Technical Sales Manager Challenger &amp; Global (GJT)<br><br />
<a href="tel:9704625513">970.462.5513&nbsp;</a> <a href="mailto:rmiller@wsa.aero">rmiller@wsa.aero</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Connor Mottice</h3>
<p>Technician Sales Manager (CHA)<br><br />
<a href="tel:4233206156">423.320.6156</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="mailto:cmottice@wsa.aero">cmottice@wsa.aero</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Jeff Messmer</h3>
<p>Technical Sales Manager (PCD)<br><br />
Cell&nbsp;<a href="tel:3146074069">314.607.4069</a> <a href="mailto:jmessmer@wsa.aero">jmessmer@wsa.aero</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Steve Blume</h3>
<p>Technical Sales Manager, Bombardier&nbsp; (ALN)<br><br />
<a href="tel:6188185893">618.818.5893</a> <a href="mailto:sblume@wsa.aero">sblume@wsa.aero</a></p>


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Challenger Operators: New FAA AD Addresses Nosewheel Steering Risk

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