Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 141 (Friday, July 24, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46706-46709]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-15006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-7223; Project Identifier AD-2026-00329-A; 
Amendment 39-23417; AD 2026-15-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. 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 Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) Model B300 and B300C airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's revision of the 
airworthiness limitations manual (ALM) to introduce revised inspection 
intervals to detect cracks in the wing spar or wing supporting 
structure. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations 
section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) or 
instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing 
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 10, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 10, 
2026.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 8, 2026.

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-91, West Building Fifth Floor, Room W58-213, 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-2026-7223; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For Textron material identified in this AD, contact 
Textron, One Cessna Blvd., Wichita, KS 67215; phone: (316) 517-9355; 
email: txtav.com">teamturboprop@txtav.com; website: txtav.com.
    <bullet> 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-2026-7223.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Soban Saeed, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1801 South Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4123; 
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-2026-7223; Project 
Identifier AD-2026-00329-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 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

[[Page 46707]]

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 Soban Saeed, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1801 South Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209. 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 FAA was notified by Textron that the existing ALM of the ICA 
for Textron Model B300 and B300C airplanes contained incorrect wing 
inspection intervals for airplanes that are certified to or operating 
at a 16,500 pound (lb.) maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). As a result, 
Textron has revised the existing Model B300 and B300C structural 
inspection and repair manual (SIRM) and ALM to separate the wing 
inspection criteria and intervals between airplanes that are certified 
to or operating at a 15,000 lb. MTOW and those that are certified to or 
operating at a 16,500 MTOW. The new and updated inspection criteria are 
based upon the airplane operating hours. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent undetected cracks in the wing or wing supporting structure. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural 
integrity and consequent wing separation from the fuselage in flight.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Textron Mandatory Service Letter MTL-57-04, 
Revision 1, dated March 27, 2025. This material specifies information 
about the new and updated wing inspection criteria for Model B300 and 
B300C airplanes within the SIRM and ALM based upon the airplane 
operating hours. 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires revising the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA and 
the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
by incorporating the actions and associated intervals specified in the 
material already described.

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.
    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 the existing incorrect wing inspection intervals need to be 
revised to detect any crack that could develop in the wing spar or wing 
supporting structure due to differences in operators' mission profiles 
(airplanes operating at a 16,500 lb. MTOW). Current FAA data indicate 
that a number of airplanes are past the revised inspection intervals 
specified in this AD. Cracks in the wing spar or wing supporting 
structure could result in reduced structural integrity and consequent 
wing separation from the fuselage in flight. 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).
    In addition, 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, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

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 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 113 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Cost per   Cost on U.S.
                   Action                              Labor cost           Parts cost    product     operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS.............................  1 work-hours x $85 per hour =          $0         $85        $9,605
                                              $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

[[Page 46708]]

    (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:

2026-15-05 Textron Aviation Inc.: Amendment 39-23417; Docket No. 
FAA-2026-7223; Project Identifier AD-2026-00329-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 10, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Textron Aviation Inc. Model B300 and B300C 
airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in Textron 
Mandatory Service Letter MTL-57-04, Revision 1, dated March 27, 
2025, including airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through 
(3) of this AD, except for any airplane that has had a wing 
evaluation performed by Textron Aviation Special Missions and been 
issued a serial number specific aircraft limitations manual and 
structural inspection and repair manual supplements.
    (1) Model B300 airplanes (heavy weight) having Kit 130-4402 
installed (effective for serial numbers (S/Ns) FL-91, FL-381, FL-
383, FL-387, FL-391 and on).
    (2) Model B300 (heavy weight) and B300C (non-extended range) 
airplanes having Kit 130-4030 installed (effective for S/Ns FL-381, 
FL-383 and on, and FM-12 and on).
    (3) Model B300 (increased gross weight with extended-range fuel 
tank) airplanes having Kit 130-4014 (effective for S/Ns FL-1 and on 
and FM-1 and on).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5700, Wing 
Structure.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's revision of the 
structural inspection and repair manual to introduce more 
restrictive inspection intervals for airplanes that are certified to 
or operating at a 16,500 pound (lb.) maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). 
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent undetected cracks in the wing 
or wing supporting structure. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity and 
consequent wing separation from the fuselage in flight.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (3) of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the 
existing aircraft maintenance manual or instructions for continued 
airworthiness and the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, by incorporating the information identified in table 1 
to paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that are certified to or operating at 16,500 
lb. MTOW and with 3,800 hours total time-in-service (TTIS) or less: 
Before accumulating 3,800 hours TTIS or within 25 hours time-in-
service (TIS) or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.
    (2) For airplanes that are certified to or operating at 16,500 
lb. MTOW and with between 3,801 and 7,400 TTIS: Within 200 hours TIS 
or 6 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) For airplanes that are certified to or operating at 16,500 
lb. MTOW and with more than 7,401 hours TTIS: Within 25 hours TIS or 
30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD.

 Table 1 to Paragraph (g)--Revised Scheduled Component Replacement Time
                                 Limits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Task No.                  Component             Interval
------------------------------------------------------------------------
57-00-00-9602...............  Wing to Fuselage      16,500 MTOW
                               Attach Angles (FL-1   airplanes, replace
                               through FL-175, FL-   every 2,500 hours.
                               177; FM-1 through
                               FM-9; unless Kit
                               101-1202-0001 is
                               installed).
57-00-00-9603...............  Wing to Fuselage      16,500 MTOW
                               Attach Angles (FL-    airplanes, replace
                               176, FL-178 and       every 29,200 hours.
                               after; FM-10 and
                               after; and prior
                               airplanes with Kit
                               101-1202-0001
                               installed).
57-20-01-9600...............  Outboard Wing         16,500 MTOW
                               Structure (FL-1       airplanes, replace
                               through FL-125; FM-   every 6,500 hours.
                               1 through FM-8;
                               unless 101-110085-1
                               and -2 spar caps
                               are installed).
There are no life limitation  Wing Center Section   The life is not
 inspection tasks associated   (FL-126 and after;    limited provided
 with the wing center          FM-9 and after; and   the inspection
 section.                      prior airplanes       programs defined in
                               with Kit 101-1200-    the listed
                               0001 installed).      maintenance manuals
                                                     and the replacement
                                                     schedule for the
                                                     items listed below
                                                     have been adhered
                                                     to for continued
                                                     airworthiness.
                                                    King Air Series
                                                     Structural
                                                     Inspection and
                                                     Repair Manual, P/N
                                                     98-39006, Revision
                                                     D6.
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 57-
                                                     18-02
                                                    Super King Air Model
                                                     B300/B300C
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     P/N 130-590031-11.
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 5
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 57
                                                    Super King Air Model
                                                     B300/B300C Fusion
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     P/N 434-590169-
                                                     0009.
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 5
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 57

[[Page 46709]]

 
There are no life limitation  Outboard Wing         The life is not
 inspection tasks associated   Structure (FL-126     limited provided
 with the outboard wing        and after; FM-9 and   the inspection
 structure..                   after; and prior      programs defined in
                               airplanes with 101-   the listed
                               110085-1 and -2       maintenance manuals
                               spar caps             and the replacement
                               installed).           schedule for the
                                                     items listed below
                                                     have been adhered
                                                     to for continued
                                                     airworthiness.
                                                    King Air Series
                                                     Structural
                                                     Inspection and
                                                     Repair Manual, P/N
                                                     98-39006, Revision
                                                     D6.
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 57-
                                                     18-02
                                                    Super King Air Model
                                                     B300/B300C
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     P/N 130-590031-11.
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 5
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 57
                                                    Super King Air Model
                                                     B300/B300C Fusion
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     P/N 434-590169-
                                                     0009.
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 5
                                                    <bullet> Chapter 57
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Additional guidance for accomplishing 
the actions required by this AD can be found in Textron Super King 
Air B300/B300C Airworthiness Limitations Manual 130-590031-211G, 
Revision G0, dated April 29, 2026.

(h) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been 
performed, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and 
intervals are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the 
provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Central Certification 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 Central Certification Branch, send it 
to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD and email to: [email protected].
    (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.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Soban Saeed, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 South Airport Road, Wichita, KS 
67209; phone: (316) 946-4123; email: [email protected].
    (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by 
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) 
of this AD.

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Textron Mandatory Service Letter MTL-57-04, Revision 1, 
dated March 27, 2025.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Textron material identified in this AD, contact Textron, 
One Cessna Blvd., Wichita, KS, 67215; phone: (316) 517-9355; email: 
txtav.com">teamturboprop@txtav.com; website: txtav.com.
    (4) 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.
    (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 July 16, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-15006 Filed 7-23-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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