AD 2026-19-03

61133 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 186 / Monday, September 28, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (l)(3) this AD. (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) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777–29A0047 RB, dated September 11, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110– SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; website myboeingfleet.com . (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 September 16, 2026. Brian Knaup, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–19751 Filed 9–25–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–7213; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00150–E; Amendment 39–23470; AD 2026–19–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023–15– 03 for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Model Arrius 2B2 engines. AD 2023–15–03 required revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. Since the FAA issued AD 2023– 15–03, the manufacturer has revised the ALS of the existing maintenance and overhaul manuals, introducing new and more restrictive instructions and maintenance tasks. This AD requires updating the ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective November 2, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 2, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–7213; 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. 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– 2026–7213. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : William McNicholas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238–7776; email: william.v.mcnicholas@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023–15–03, Amendment 39–22515 (88 FR 51223, August 3, 2023), (AD 2023–15–03). AD 2023–15–03 applied to all Safran Model Arrius 2B2 engines. AD 2023–15–03 required revising the ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. The FAA issued AD 2023–15–03 to prevent failure of life-limited parts, which if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the helicopter. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2026 (91 FR 42680). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2026–0027, dated February 11, 2026 (EASA AD 2026–0027) (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 the manufacturer published a revised ALS introducing new and more restrictive tasks and limitations for certain life- limited parts. The more restrictive tasks and limitations include replacing life- limited parts before exceeding the applicable life limit, performing applicable maintenance tasks, and revising the approved aircraft maintenance program. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require updating the ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–7213. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Sep 25, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28SER1.SGM 28SER1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

61134 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 186 / Monday, September 28, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 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 2026– 0027, which specifies instructions for accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable ALS, including replacing life-limited parts, performing maintenance tasks, and revising the existing approved aircraft maintenance program by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described in the ALS. 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. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026–0027 specifies revising the Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2026–0027, this AD requires revising the ALS of the existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 212 engines installed on helicopters 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 Revise the ALS ............ 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ........................................................... $0 $85 $18,020 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 The FAA has determined that 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: ■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023–15–03, Amendment 39–22515 (88 FR 51223, August 3, 2023); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–19–03 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.: Amendment 39–23470; Docket No. FAA–2026–7213; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00150–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 2, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2023–15–03, Amendment 39–22515 (88 FR 51223, August 3, 2023). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Model Arrius 2B2 engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine (Turbine/Turboprop). (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the airworthiness limitations section of the existing engine maintenance manual, introducing new and more restrictive tasks and limitations for certain life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of life-limited parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, perform all required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2026–0027, dated February 11, 2026 (EASA AD 2026–0027). (2) The action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/ operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026–0027 (1) Where EASA AD 2026–0027 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2026–0027. (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026– 0027 specifies ‘‘Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP,’’ this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness limitations section of the existing engine maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Sep 25, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28SER1.SGM 28SER1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

61135 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 186 / Monday, September 28, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 1 Section 91.531(a)(1) similarly requires that no person may operate any airplane that is type certificated for more than one pilot or without a pilot designated as second in command (SIC). 2 Section 91.531(b) contains exceptions from the SIC requirements in § 91.531(a)(2) if the airplane is certificated for operation with one pilot. 3 Exemption No. 4050, Docket No. 23771. approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.’’ (4) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2026–0027. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After performing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2026–0027. (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 William McNicholas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238– 7776; email: william.v.mcnicholas@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 2026–0027, dated February 11, 2026. (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. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at 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. (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 September 16, 2026. Hollister B. Thorson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–19762 Filed 9–25–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 91 [Docket No.: FAA–2026–12343] Notice of Policy Change and Rescission of Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Certain Cessna Aircraft AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Policy statement. SUMMARY : Based on safety concerns and a review that revealed widespread non- compliance with the exemptions, the FAA is announcing its decision to cease issuing exemptions that allow certain Cessna aircraft that require two pilots to operate as a single-pilot operation, and notifying current exemption holders that their exemptions will be rescinded by separate action. This notice also serves to inform pilots who obtained single-pilot endorsements from training providers that held exemptions that they must cease single-pilot operations in aircraft that require two pilots under the regulations as they have no relief from the regulations. DATES : The policy described herein is effective September 29, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : For technical questions concerning this policy notice, contact AFS–810, Training and Certification Group, 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591; email: 9-AFS-800- Correspondence@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background Under § 91.9(a) of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), no person may operate an aircraft without complying with the operating limitations specified for that aircraft. If the operating limitations in an aircraft’s type certificate data sheet (TCDS) require that the aircraft be flown by a crew of two pilots, then a pilot in command (PIC) and second in command (SIC) are required per § 91.9. 1 Further, under 14 CFR 91.531(a)(2), if an airplane is a ‘‘large aircraft’’ (as defined by FAA regulations at 14 CFR 1.1 as an aircraft weighing over 12,500 pounds), then the aircraft cannot by regulation be operated without a person designated as SIC. 2 The Cessna Citation CE–500 series of airplanes are unique because some variants of the CE–500 (CE–501 and CE– 551) are certificated under 14 CFR part 23, while other variants (CE–500, CE– 550 and CE–560) are certificated under 14 CFR part 25. The Part 25 Cessna Citation CE–500 series of airplanes are type certificated for operation by two pilots. Additionally, because these variants meet the definition of large airplane, an SIC is required under § 91.531(a)(2). The Part 23 CE–500 variants are required by the type certificate to be flown with an SIC unless the aircraft has additional equipment specified in the limitation section of the FAA-approved Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM). The FAA has been issuing exemptions to allow the single-pilot operation of transport category CE–500 variants, which must be flown by two pilots pursuant to regulation, for over forty years, subject to certain conditions and limitations (C&Ls). The FAA issued the first CE–500 single-pilot exemption to Cessna Aircraft Company in 1984. 3 In granting the original exemption, the FAA explained in response to commenters’ concerns about safety that there was no data that specifically showed a degradation of safety between single-pilot operations in Part 23 CE– 500 aircraft and two-pilot operations in Part 25 CE–500 aircraft. The FAA also stated that a grant of exemption would serve the public interest by providing operators with increased operating flexibility and reduced economic burdens and would provide the FAA with data that could be used to help assess the need for general rulemaking. Eventually, the FAA began granting exemptions to training providers conducting training under 14 CFR parts 61, 141, and 142. These exemptions permitted these training providers to provide training and checking and issue a logbook endorsement to pilots that allows the pilot to conduct single-pilot operations in CE–500 aircraft that would otherwise require a second pilot. The FAA notes that these exemptions are complicated by the fact that the regulatory relief provided from §§ 91.9 and 91.531 is required by the pilot VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Sep 25, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28SER1.SGM 28SER1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES