Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 174 (Thursday, September 11, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43907-43909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-17516]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-2266; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00406-A; 
Amendment 39-23123; AD 2025-17-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A. 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A. (Tecnam) Model P-Mentor 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by the failure of the pilot seat 
locking mechanism. This AD requires an initial and repetitive 
inspections of the seat rails of pilot and co-pilot seats and 
completing corrective action as needed. This AD includes an optional 
terminating action for the inspection requirement. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 26, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 26, 
2025.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 27, 2025.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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-2025-2266; 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:
    <bullet> For Tecnam material identified in this AD, contact Tecnam, 
Via Maiorise, 81043 Capua CE, Italy; phone: +39 0823 622297; email: 
tecnam.com">technical.support@tecnam.com; website: tecnam.com.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
MO 64106. 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-2025-2266.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ramon Walker Perez, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (847) 294-7337; email: [email protected].

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-2025-2266; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2024-00406-A'' 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

[[Page 43908]]

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 Ramon 
Walker Perez, 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 AD 2024-0138, dated July 11, 2024 (also referred to as the MCAI), 
to correct an unsafe condition on certain Tecnam Model P-Mentor 
airplanes. The MCAI states there was a report of failure of the pilot 
seat locking mechanism that could lead to the pilot seat unlocking 
during flight, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane. A 
subsequent inspection revealed interference between the leather 
covering of the pilot seat and the seat locking lever. The MCAI 
requires initial and repetitive inspections of the affected parts and 
if any discrepancy as defined in the service material is detected 
contacting Tecnam for repair instructions and accomplishing those 
instructions accordingly. The MCAI also provides an optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-2266.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2, 
dated July 5, 2024 (TECNAM SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2). This material 
specifies procedures for inspecting the P-Mentor seat rails.
    The FAA also reviewed TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 748-CS-Ed 1, Rev. 
0, dated April 22, 2024 (TECNAM SB 748-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 0). This material 
specifies the P-Mentor new seat design.
    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 accomplishing the actions specified in the 
material already described, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between this AD and the Referenced Material.''

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Referenced Material

    The MCAI specifies to contact the manufacturer for approved repair 
instructions if it is determined during an inspection that there is any 
discrepancy detected as described in the referenced service material. 
This AD requires doing repairs in accordance with a method approved by 
the FAA; EASA; or Tecnam's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.
    The MCAI also specifies that the repetitive inspections of the 
affected parts (pilot and co-pilot seats) may be accomplished by the 
pilot-owner, but this AD does not allow the pilot-owner to do those 
actions.
    TECNAM SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2, specifies to report certain 
information to the manufacturer. This AD does not require this 
reporting.

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.
    The FAA justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of 
this rule because there are currently no domestic operators of this 
product. It is unlikely that the FAA will receive any adverse comments 
or useful information about this AD from any U.S. operator. 
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the 
foregoing reason(s), 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.

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

    There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no 
airplanes with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.

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

[[Page 43909]]

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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2025-17-13 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A: Amendment 39-
23123; Docket No. FAA-2025-2266; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00406-
A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 26, 
2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A. 
(Tecnam) Model P-Mentor airplanes, serial numbers 1003 through 1056 
inclusive, 1064 through 1075 inclusive, 1078 through 1082 inclusive, 
1089, 1090, 1118, 1119, 1124, 1125, and 1126, except those having 
Tecnam modification MOD2010/359 installed or TECNAM Service Bulletin 
SB 748-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 0, dated April 22, 2024 (TECNAM SB 748-CS-Ed. 
1, Rev. 0), embodied.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the failure of the pilot seat locking 
mechanism. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this unsafe 
condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to the 
pilot or co-pilot seat unlocking during flight, possibly resulting 
in loss of control of the airplane.

(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) 
and (2) of this AD apply.
    (1) Affected parts: The seat rails of the pilot and co-pilot 
seats.
    (2) Reference material: TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, 
Rev. 2, dated July 5, 2024 (TECNAM SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2).

(h) Required Actions

    (1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, inspect each affected part in 
accordance with Appendix A of the Accomplishment Instructions in 
TECNAM SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of 
this AD, any discrepancy is detected as defined in Appendix A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in TECNAM SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2, 
before further flight, repair the part in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; 
or Tecnam's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Optional Terminating Action

    Modification of an airplane in accordance with the instructions 
of TECNAM SB 748-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 0, constitutes terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h)(1) of this 
AD for that airplane.

(j) No Reporting Requirement

    Although TECNAM SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2, specifies to submit 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that 
action.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (h)(1) 
of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date 
of this AD using TECNAM SB-738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 0, or TECNAM SB-738-
CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 01.

(l) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(m) 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 (n) of 
this AD and email to [email protected]. 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.

(n) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Ramon Walker Perez, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294-7337; email: 
[email protected].

(o) 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) TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 738-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 2, dated July 
5, 2024.
    (ii) TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 748-CS-Ed 1, Rev. 0, dated April 
22, 2024.
    (3) For Tecnam material identified in this AD, contact 
Costruzioni Aeronautiche S.p.A., Via Maiorise, 81043 Capua CE, 
Italy; phone: +39 0823 622297; email: tecnam.com">technical.support@tecnam.com; 
website: tecnam.com.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. 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 [email protected].

    Issued on August 26, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-17516 Filed 9-10-25; 8:45 am]
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