AD 2026-15-10

47938 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 145 / Thursday, July 30, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector duct. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address cracking around the engine exhaust duct boundary reinforcement plate. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to detachment of a part of the ejector duct, which could impact the helicopter tailplane or the tail rotor with consequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025–0064, dated March 25, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0064). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0064 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0064 refers to its effective date, or July 26, 2023 [the effective date of EASA AD 2023–0149], this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025–0064 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0064. (i) No Reporting or Returning of Parts Requirement Although EASA AD 2025–0064 and the material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0064 specifies reporting certain information or to return any parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) 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. (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. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact David Enns, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4147; email: david.enns@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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0064, dated March 25, 2025. (ii) Reserved (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 24, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–15370 Filed 7–29–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–4639; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01360–T; Amendment 39–23422; AD 2026–15–10] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330–841 and Model A330–941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of crack findings on the sloping rib. This AD requires a repetitive inspection of the external surface of each sloping rib and each slat 1 inboard seal, and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective September 3, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 3, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4639; 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 address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4639. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Bill Ashforth, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3520; email: Bill.ashforth@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A330– 841 and Model A330–941 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2026 (91 FR 29389). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025–0179, dated August 13, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0179) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that occurrences of crack findings on the sloping rib were reported. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the handling qualities of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a repetitive inspection of the external surface of each sloping rib and each slat 1 inboard seal, and applicable corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2025–0179. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Jul 29, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30JYR1.SGM 30JYR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

47939 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 145 / Thursday, July 30, 2026 / Rules and Regulations You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4639. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change. Conclusion 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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2025–0179 specifies procedures for repetitive general visual inspection of the external surface of each left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sloping rib for damage (which includes cracking, dents, and corrosion) and each LH and RH slat 1 inboard seal for damaged and missing seals, and applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions include contacting Airbus for repair instructions and doing the repair, and replacing or reinstalling any damaged or missing seal. EASA AD 2025–0179 also specifies procedures for an alternative method of compliance for any repetitive inspection by accomplishing a certain inspection or replacement. 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 37 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED C OSTS FOR R EQUIRED A CTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .............................................................................................. $0 $85 $3,145 The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD. 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, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 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: 2026–15–10 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 23422; Docket No. FAA–2026–4639; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01360–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 3, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A330–841 and Model A330–941 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of crack findings on the sloping rib. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking on the sloping rib. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could affect the handling qualities of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0179, dated August 13, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0179). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0179 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0179 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025– 0179 specifies ‘‘If any damage is found on a VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Jul 29, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30JYR1.SGM 30JYR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

47940 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 145 / Thursday, July 30, 2026 / Rules and Regulations sloping rib, before next flight, contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and, within the compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions accordingly’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘If any cracking is detected on a sloping rib during any inspection required by this AD, the cracking must be repaired before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. If any damage other than cracking is detected on a sloping rib during any inspection required by this AD, before next flight, contact Airbus for approved instructions and, within the compliance time identified therein, accomplish those instructions accordingly.’’ (3) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0179. (i) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) 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 responsible Flight Standards office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA- authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material referenced in EASA AD 2025– 0179 contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the instructions identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3520; email: Bill.ashforth@faa.gov. (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 this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0179, dated August 13, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (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 20, 2026. Brian Knaup, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–15410 Filed 7–29–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–4637; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01226–G; Amendment 39–23420; AD 2026–15–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH Gliders AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Stemme GmbH (Stemme) Model Stemme S 12 gliders. This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaking around certain copper sealing rings within the fuel system. This AD requires repetitive visual checks of the fuel system for fuel leakage, and replacement of the affected copper sealing ring. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective September 3, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 3, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4637; 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 address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 91, West Building Fifth Floor, Room W58–213, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference • For Stemme material identified in this AD, contact Stemme, 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–2026–4637. 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 : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Stemme Model Stemme S 12 gliders. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2026 (91 FR 27876). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0155, dated July 21, 2025, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2025–0155) (referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that occurrences of fuel leaks at multiple locations within the fuel system have VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Jul 29, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30JYR1.SGM 30JYR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1