AD 2026-20-02

61302 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 187 / Tuesday, September 29, 2026 / Rules and Regulations under § 112.2(b)(2), may not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in their employment practices. Such assistance is deemed to have as a primary objective the providing of employment. § 112.7 [Amended] ■ 4. Amend § 112.7 by removing paragraphs (a) and (d) and redesignating paragraphs (b) and (c) as paragraphs (a) and (b), respectively. Kelly Loeffler, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2026–19878 Filed 9–28–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026–09–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–11785; Project Identifier AD–2026–00916–T; Amendment 39–23475; AD 2026–20–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787–8 and 787–9 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of the lack of data to substantiate engine operability when an airplane is dispatched under a certain master minimum equipment list (MMEL) item. This AD prohibits dispatching an airplane under the operational procedures of the operator’s minimum equipment list item corresponding to a certain MMEL item. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective October 14, 2026. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 13, 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2026– 11785; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Shaan Brar, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3558; email: shaan.s.brar@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–2026–11785 and Project Identifier AD–2026–00916–T 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 Shaan Brar, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3558; email: shaan.s.brar@ faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA received a report from Rolls- Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG of the lack of data to substantiate engine operability, including compressor stability, relight capability, surge recovery, and inclement weather capability, when Model 787–8 and 787– 9 airplanes equipped with certain Rolls- Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG engines are dispatched under MMEL item 75– 33–01. MMEL item 75–33–01 (‘‘Engine Intermediate Pressure (IP) Bleed Valves (RR)’’) allows an aircraft to be dispatched for three days with one intermediate pressure bleed valve (IPBV) inoperative on each engine, provided appropriate performance adjustments are applied. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the risk of MMEL dispatch with an inoperative engine IPBV on one or both engines. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine thrust control and consequent loss of control of the airplane. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. AD Requirements This AD prohibits dispatching an airplane under the operational procedures of the operator’s minimum equipment list item corresponding to MMEL item 75–33–01. 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Sep 28, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM 29SER1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

61303 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 187 / Tuesday, September 29, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 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 dispatching an airplane with an inoperative engine IPBV could result in loss of engine thrust control and consequent loss of control of the airplane. The FAA has determined that due to the lack of substantiating data, Model 787–8 and 787–9 airplanes equipped with certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG engines dispatched with an inoperative IPBV are not assured to provide recovery from surges or flameouts or maintain continued operation under any anticipated operating environment. An airplane dispatched under MMEL item 75–33–01 with an inoperative IPBV on both engines could experience a loss of thrust control on both engines. An airplane dispatched with an inoperative IPBV on a single engine could experience a loss of thrust control on the engine with the inoperative IPBV, which would leave the airplane a single failure away from a catastrophic outcome (loss of the remaining engine due to any cause). Additionally, the compliance time in this AD 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). 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 notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 16 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Dispatch prohibition ............................................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...................... $0 $85 $1,360 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: 2026–20–02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–23475; Docket No. FAA–2026–11785; Project Identifier AD– 2026–00916–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 14, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787–8 and 787–9 airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model Trent 1000–A, Trent 1000–A2, Trent 1000– AE, Trent 1000–AE2, Trent 1000–C, Trent 1000–C2, Trent 1000–CE, Trent 1000–CE2, Trent 1000–D, Trent 1000–D2, Trent 1000–E, Trent 1000–G, Trent 1000–G2, Trent 1000–H, Trent 1000–H2, Trent 1000–J2, Trent 1000– K2, and Trent 1000–L2 engines. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 75, Air. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that there is no data to substantiate engine operability, including compressor stability, relight capability, surge recovery, and inclement weather capability, when an airplane is dispatched under Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) item 75– 33–01. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the risk of MMEL dispatch with an inoperative engine intermediate pressure bleed valve (IPBV) on one or both engines. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine thrust control and consequent loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Dispatch Prohibitions As of 60 days after the effective date of this AD: No person may dispatch an airplane under the operational procedures of the operator’s minimum equipment list item corresponding to MMEL 75–33–01 (‘‘Engine Intermediate Pressure (IP) Bleed Valves (RR)’’). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Sep 28, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM 29SER1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

61304 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 187 / Tuesday, September 29, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (h) 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed 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) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (i) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Shaan Brar, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3558; email: shaan.s.brar@faa.gov. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on September 24, 2026. Lona C. Saccomando, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–19956 Filed 9–25–26; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–3987; Project Identifier AD–2025–00017–R; Amendment 39–23466; AD 2026–19–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, LLC Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule; correction. SUMMARY : The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that was published in the Federal Register . That AD applies to all MD Helicopters, LLC Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. As published, the header of the regulatory text is missing the AD number and the amendment number. This document corrects those errors. In all other respects, the original document remains the same. DATES : This correction is effective October 20, 2026. The effective date of AD 2026–19–01 remains October 20, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2025–3987, 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, 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Eduardo Orozco-Duran, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627–5264; email: eduardo.orozco-duran@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background AD 2026–19–01, Amendment 39– 23466 (91 FR 58365, September 15, 2026) (AD 2026–19–01), requires repetitively inspecting the torque tube assembly and roller bearings, and depending on the results, replacing parts or accomplishing additional inspections for all MD Helicopters, LLC Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. Need for the Correction As published, the header of the regulatory text of AD 2026–19–01 is missing the AD number and the amendment number. Correction of Publication This document corrects errors and accordingly adds the AD as an amendment to 14 CFR 39.13. Although no other part of the preamble or regulatory information has been corrected, the FAA is publishing the entire rule in the Federal Register . The effective date of this AD remains October 20, 2026. Since this action adds only the missing information identified above, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, the FAA has determined that notice and public comment procedures are unnecessary. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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 [Corrected] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: ■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024–23–06, Amendment 39–22885 (89 FR 91248, November 19, 2024); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–19–01 MD Helicopters, LLC: Amendment 39–23466; Docket No. FAA–2025–3987; Project Identifier AD– 2025–00017–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2024–23–06, Amendment 39–22885 (89 FR 91248, November 19, 2024) (AD 2024–23–06). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all MD Helicopters, LLC Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6700, Rotorcraft flight control. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a seized and damaged roller bearing assembly in the torque tube assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the torque tube assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability and loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Sep 28, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\29SER1.SGM 29SER1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1