AD 2026-15-04

46709 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 141 / Friday, July 24, 2026 / Rules and Regulations T ABLE 1 TO P ARAGRAPH (g)—R EVISED S CHEDULED C OMPONENT R EPLACEMENT T IME L IMITS —Continued Task No. Component Interval There are no life limitation inspection tasks associ- ated with the outboard wing structure.. Outboard Wing Structure (FL–126 and after; FM–9 and after; and prior airplanes with 101–110085–1 and –2 spar caps installed). The life is not limited provided the inspection programs defined in the listed maintenance manuals and the replacement schedule for the items listed below have been adhered to for continued airworthiness. King Air Series Structural Inspection and Repair Man- ual, P/N 98–39006, Revision D6. • Chapter 57–18–02 Super King Air Model B300/B300C Maintenance Man- ual, P/N 130–590031–11. • Chapter 5 • Chapter 57 Super King Air Model B300/B300C Fusion Maintenance Manual, P/N 434–590169–0009. • Chapter 5 • Chapter 57 Note 1 to paragraph (g): Additional guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Textron Super King Air B300/B300C Airworthiness Limitations Manual 130–590031–211G, Revision G0, dated April 29, 2026. (h) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been performed, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Central Certification Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Central Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (j) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Soban Saeed, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 South Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946–4123; email: CCB-COS@faa.gov. (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this AD. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Textron Mandatory Service Letter MTL– 57–04, Revision 1, dated March 27, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Textron material identified in this AD, contact Textron, One Cessna Blvd., Wichita, KS, 67215; phone: (316) 517–9355; email: teamturboprop@txtav.com; website: txtav.com . (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1100 Main, Kansas City, MO 64105. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on July 16, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–15006 Filed 7–23–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–7222; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00565–G; Amendment 39–23416; AD 2026–15–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH Gliders AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Stemme GmbH (Stemme) TSA–M Model S6–RT and Stemme S 12 gliders. This AD was prompted by a report of a leaking electrical fuel transfer pump. This AD requires inspecting affected electrical fuel transfer pumps for certain non-conforming parts, and if found, replacing them with approved parts. This AD also prohibits installation of certain non-conforming parts on affected gliders. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective July 24, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 24, 2026. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 8, 2026. ADDRESSES : You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–7222; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Stemme material identified in this AD, contact Stemme, VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:52 Jul 23, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24JYR1.SGM 24JYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

46710 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 141 / Friday, July 24, 2026 / Rules and Regulations Flugplatzstrasse F2 Nr. 6–7, Strausberg, Germany 15344; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612; email: airworthiness@ stemme.com; website: stemme.com . • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1100 Main, Kansas City, MO 64105. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–7222. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222– 4045; email: george.a.weir@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2026–7222; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00565–G’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov , including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2026–0108–E, dated June 5, 2026 (referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all Stemme TSA–M Model S6–RT and Stemme S 12 gliders. The MCAI states that a leaking electrical fuel transfer pump installed on a Model Stemme S 12 glider was found. The two glider models share the same electrical fuel transfer pump design. Each of these glider models have two electrical fuel transfer pumps. An investigation revealed that leakage resulted from the installation of non-conforming parts that occurred during manufacturing and that also have been delivered as spare parts. Non-conforming parts are electrical fuel transfer pumps identified with ‘‘HEP– 02A’’ (unknown manufacturer) instead of ‘‘HEP–02’’ under part number 830521. To address the unsafe condition, Stemme published service material to provide inspection instructions to identify affected electrical fuel transfer pumps. This condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight fire and a potential explosion in the wing or center fuselage. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–7222. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Stemme Service Bulletin P062–980092, Revision 00, dated May 29, 2026. This material specifies procedures for a one-time inspection of the two electrical fuel pumps to verify if non-conforming parts, as defined in this AD, are installed. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. AD Requirements This AD requires visual inspection of both electrical fuel transfer pumps for non-conforming parts, and replacement of any electrical fuel transfer pumps if non-conforming parts are identified. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain non-conforming parts. Interim Action The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. ) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because EASA issued an emergency AD indicating that fuel leakage from an electrical fuel transfer pump on TSA–M Model S6–RT and Stemme S 12 gliders could result in an in-flight fire and a possible explosion in the wing or center fuselage, which could injure occupants and persons on the ground. Thus, an inspection of these gliders is necessary before further flight. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. 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46711 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 141 / Friday, July 24, 2026 / Rules and Regulations Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 gliders of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspect both electrical fuel trans- fer pumps. 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ............................................... $0 $255 $8,415 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of gliders that might need these replacements. O N -C ONDITION C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replace both electrical fuel transfer pumps. 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 (up to) ............................................... $48 (up to) $303 (up to) Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–15–04 Stemme GmbH: Amendment 39–23416; Docket No. FAA–2026–7222; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00565–G. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 24, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Stemme GmbH TSA–M Model S6–RT and Stemme S 12 gliders, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2800, Aircraft Fuel System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a leaking electrical fuel transfer pump. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and replace certain non-conforming parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight fire and possible explosion in the wing or center fuselage. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Definitions For the purpose of this AD the definitions in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD apply. (1) Non-conforming part: Any electrical fuel pump defined as ‘‘non-conforming’’ as described in Stemme Service Bulletin (SB) P062–980092, Revision 00, dated May 29, 2026 (Stemme SB P062–980092). (2) Conforming part: Any electrical fuel pump defined as ‘‘conforming’’ as described in Stemme SB P062–980092. (3) Group 1 gliders: Model Stemme S 12 gliders, serial numbers (S/Ns) 12–057 through 12–062 and TSA–M Model S6–RT gliders, S/Ns 019, 029, and 030. (4) Group 2 gliders: Gliders that are not Group 1. (h) Required Actions (1) For Group 1 gliders: Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, accomplish a one-time inspection of the two electrical fuel pumps to verify if non- conforming parts are installed, in accordance with Stemme SB P062–980092. 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46712 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 141 / Friday, July 24, 2026 / Rules and Regulations required for a Group 2 glider, provided that no electrical fuel pump has been replaced on that glider after January 1, 2023. (3) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, any non- conforming part as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, is found, before further flight, replace any non-conforming electrical fuel pump with a conforming electrical fuel pump by contacting either the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Stemme’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA); for approved replacement instructions and, within the compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions accordingly, including any follow-on action(s), as applicable. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (i) Parts Installation Prohibition As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a non-conforming part, as defined paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, on any glider. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (k) Additional Information George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222–4045; email: george.a.weir@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Stemme Service Bulletin P062–980092, Revision 00, dated May 29, 2026. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Stemme material identified in this AD, contact Stemme GmbH, Flugplatzstrasse F2 Nr. 6–7, Strausberg, Germany 15344; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612; email: airworthiness@stemme.com; website: stemme.com . (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1100 Main, Kansas City, MO 64105. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on July 16, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–15004 Filed 7–23–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2026–5248; Airspace Docket No. 26–ANE–3] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Class D Airspace and Class E Airspace Over Westfield, MA AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : This action amends Class D and Class E airspace over Westfield, MA. This action updates the airport name and geographic coordinates in both Westfield, MA Class D and Class E airspace legal descriptions. This action also replaces ‘‘Airport/Facility Directory’’ in the Class D airspace legal description with ‘‘Chart Supplement’’ to comply with current FAA guidance. This action also removes the exclusions of adjacent Class E airspace areas from the Westfield, MA Class E airspace legal description to comply with current FAA guidance. DATES : Effective 0901 UTC, October 29, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order JO 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES : A copy of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), all comments received, this final rule, and all background material may be viewed online at www.regulations.gov using the FAA Docket number. Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded from www.federalregister.gov. FAA Order JO 7400.11K, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, as well as subsequent amendments, can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air _ traffic/publications/. For further information, you may also contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; Telephone: (202) 267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Marc Ellerbee, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; Telephone: (404) 305–5589. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it amends Class D and Class E airspace in Westfield, MA. History The FAA published an NPRM for Docket No. FAA–2026–5248 in the Federal Register (91 FR 27223; May 14, 2026), proposing to amend Class D and Class E airspace in Westfield, MA. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. One comment was received in support of the proposal. The commenter cited practicality and perceived increases in both safety and efficiency as the reasons for their support of the proposal. Incorporation by Reference Class D and Class E airspace designations are published in paragraphs 5000 and 6005 of FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This document amends the latest version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11K, dated August 4, 2025, and effective September 15, 2025. These amendments will be published in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. FAA Order JO 7400.11K, which lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points, is publicly VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:52 Jul 23, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24JYR1.SGM 24JYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES