AD 2026-16-08

52496 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 156 / Friday, August 14, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6510, Tail rotor drive shaft. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the tailboom. The FAA is issuing this AD to address an excessive vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and loss of yaw 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, EASA AD 2024– 0144. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0144 (1) Where EASA AD 2024–0144 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2024–0144 refers to its effective date, or where EASA AD 2024–0144 refers to November 6, 2023 [the effective date of EASA Emergency AD 2023–0190–E], this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where EASA AD 2024–0144 refers to ‘‘checks’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘inspections’’. (4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024– 0144 specifies to ‘‘contact AH [Airbus Helicopters] to obtain approved instructions’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘accomplish corrective action in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters’ EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature’’. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0144. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024–0144 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (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 Eric Rivera, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (773) 412–9048; email: eric.rivera01@faa.gov . (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material identified in this AD 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 2024–0144, dated July 19, 2024. (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 the EASA material on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at 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 August 5, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–16641 Filed 8–13–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–2294; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00011–E; Amendment 39–23438; AD 2026–16–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000–A2, Trent 1000–AE2, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000– CE2, Trent 1000–D2, Trent 1000–E2, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000–J2, Trent 1000–K2, and Trent 1000–L2 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the intermediate pressure (IP) compressor variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) due to high-cycle fatigue propagation. This AD requires repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) for cracks of the IP compressor VIGVs and, depending on the inspection results, reduced inspection intervals for the repetitive BSIs or removal of the engine from service and replacement of the IP compressor VIGVs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective September 18, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 18, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–2294; 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; phone: +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. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 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– 2026–2294. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (516) 228–7309; email: alexis.j.whitaker@ 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 RRD Model Trent 1000–A2, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Aug 13, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\14AUR1.SGM 14AUR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

52497 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 156 / Friday, August 14, 2026 / Rules and Regulations Trent 1000–AE2, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000–CE2, Trent 1000–D2, Trent 1000– E2, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000–J2, Trent 1000–K2, and Trent 1000–L2 engines. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2026 (91 FR 12512). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025–0002, dated January 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0002) (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 cracking of the IP compressor VIGV on Trent 1000 Pack C engines was reported and subsequent investigation attributed the cracking to high-cycle fatigue propagation phenomenon. The MCAI also states that the engine manufacturer issued material for repetitive BSIs for cracks of the IP compressor VIGVs and depending on the inspection results, reduced inspection intervals for the repetitive BSIs or removal of the engine from service. This condition, if not addressed, could result in release of fractured parts with a steady state surge, consequent uncommanded in-flight shutdown (IFSD) and, in the case of dual-engine IFSD, reduced control of the airplane. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive BSIs for cracks of the IP compressor VIGVs and, depending on the inspection results, reduced inspection intervals for the repetitive BSIs or removal of the engine from service and replacement of the IP compressor VIGVs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–2294. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were the Airline Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and an individual. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Support for the NPRM ALPA and an individual expressed support for the NPRM. Request for More Frequent Inspections for All High Use Engines An individual commenter requested that the FAA consider requiring more frequent inspections for engines that are used more often. The commenter indicated that more frequent inspections would further reduce risk. The FAA disagrees with the commenter’s request. In developing an appropriate compliance time, the FAA considered the safety implications, parts availability, and normal maintenance schedules for timely accomplishment of the required inspections. In consideration of all these factors, the FAA determined that the compliance time, as proposed, represents an appropriate interval in which the inspections can be done in a timely manner within the fleet, while still maintaining an adequate level of safety. Most ADs, including this one, permit operators to accomplish the requirements of an AD at a time earlier than the specified compliance time. However, introducing higher frequency for inspections does not necessarily result in decreasing risk. If additional data are presented that would justify a shorter compliance time, the FAA may consider further rulemaking on this issue. The FAA has not changed this AD as a result of this comment. 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 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025– 0002, which specifies procedures for performing repetitive BSIs for cracks of the IP compressor VIGVs and applicable corrective actions. Corrective actions include, depending on the inspection findings, reduced inspection intervals for the repetitive BSIs or removal of the engine from service and replacement of the IP compressor VIGVs. 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. Interim Action The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking at that time. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 engines installed on airplanes 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 Borescope inspection of the IP compressor VIGVs. 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ............. $0 $510 $14,280 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of engines that might need these replacements: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Aug 13, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\14AUR1.SGM 14AUR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

52498 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 156 / Friday, August 14, 2026 / Rules and Regulations O N -C ONDITION C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replacement of each cracked IP compressor VIGV. 110 work-hours × $85 per hour = $9,350 ................................................. $3,307 $12,657 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: 2026–16–08 Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG: Amendment 39–23438; Docket No. FAA–2026–2294; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00011–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 18, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model Trent 1000– A2, Trent 1000–AE2, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000–CE2, Trent 1000–D2, Trent 1000–E2, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000– J2, Trent 1000–K2, and Trent 1000–L2 engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine (Turbine/Turboprop); 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the intermediate pressure (IP) compressor variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) due to high-cycle fatigue propagation. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the IP compressor VIGVs. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in release of fractured parts with a steady state surge, consequent uncommanded in-flight shutdown (IFSD) and, in the case of dual- engine IFSD, reduced control of the airplane. (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: Do all required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0002, dated January 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0002). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0002 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0002 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0002. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0002 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of AIR–520 Continued Operational Safety 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 Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (516) 228–7309; email: alexis.j.whitaker@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2025–0002, dated January 7, 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 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, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Aug 13, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\14AUR1.SGM 14AUR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

52499 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 156 / Friday, August 14, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (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 30, 2026. Brian Knaup, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–16636 Filed 8–13–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–4652; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01418–T; Amendment 39–23439; AD 2026–16–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 and Galaxy airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective September 18, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 18, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4652; 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 Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) material identified in this AD, contact CAAI, P.O. Box 1101, Golan Street, Airport City, 70100, Israel; telephone 972–3–9774665; fax 972–3– 9774592; email aip@mot.gov.il. You may find this material on the CAAI website at www.gov.il/en/pages/israeli- airworthiness-directives. • 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–2026–4652. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Frank Huynh, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 404–474– 5526; email: Frank.Huynh@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 Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 and Galaxy airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 5, 2026 (91 FR 34178). The NPRM was prompted by CAAI AD ISR I–05–2025–09–1, dated September 1, 2025 (CAAI AD ISR I–05– 2025–09–1) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by CAAI, which is the aviation authority for Israel. The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, as specified in CAAI AD ISR I–05–2025– 09–1. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue damage in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–4652. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost. 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 The FAA reviewed CAAI AD ISR I– 05–2025–09–1, which specifies new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations for airplane structures and safe life limits. 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 163 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work- hours per operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per work-hour). 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Aug 13, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\14AUR1.SGM 14AUR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1