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

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 186 (Monday, September 28, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61120-61123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19760]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-11784; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00700-A; 
Amendment 39-23473; AD 2026-19-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. 
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 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A. (Tecnam) Model P2006T 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of partial detachment of 
the left aileron due to a missing hinge pin. This AD requires a one-
time detailed visual inspection of the affected aileron hinges for 
damage (cracks, warping of the hinges or hinge pin, scratched paint, 
missing or broken torque stripe, etc.) and cotter pins for improper 
installation

[[Page 61121]]

and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective action. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2026. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain 
publication listed in this AD as of October 13, 2026. The FAA must 
receive comments on this AD by November 12, 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-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-2026-11784; 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 997538; 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, 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-2026-11784.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-5152; 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-2026-11784; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2026-00700-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 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 Anthony 
Kenward, 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 2026-0124, dated July 1, 2026 (also referred to as the MCAI), 
to correct an unsafe condition on certain Tecnam Model P2006T and 
P2006T NG airplanes. The MCAI states that an occurrence was reported of 
partial detachment of the left aileron of a Tecnam Model P2006T 
airplane. The initial investigation revealed that the hinge pin of the 
outboard hinge was missing, resulting in partial detachment of the 
aileron. Further investigation revealed that the hinge pin could have 
migrated out from the aileron hinge assembly due to a missing or broken 
cotter pin, which allowed the outboard aileron hinge halves to 
separate. Based on design, there should be a cotter pin installed on 
the ends of the hinge pins to secure their position. During further 
fleet inspections on two other airplanes, broken and improperly 
installed cotter pins were found, and cracks were discovered in some of 
the aileron hinges. This could result in a migrated hinge pin which, if 
not detected and corrected, could lead to detachment of an aileron, 
possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane. The MCAI 
requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the affected aileron 
hinges for cracks or damage and cotter pins for improper installation 
and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective action.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-11784.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Tecnam Service Bulletin No. SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 
2, dated September 18, 2026 (Tecnam SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 2). This 
material specifies procedures for performing a one-time detailed visual 
inspection of the inboard and outboard aileron hinges and associated 
cotter pins to check the hinges for cracks or damage and the cotter 
pins for proper installation and integrity (e.g., installed at both 
ends of each hinge pin, heads firmly seated with no evidence of 
looseness). This material also specifies procedures for replacing and 
securing discrepant cotter pins and contacting Tecnam for further 
instructions if cracked or damaged aileron hinges are found. 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

[[Page 61122]]

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 applies to Tecnam Model P2006T NG airplanes, but this AD 
does not because this model does not have an FAA type certificate.
    The MCAI and referenced material specify 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 instead 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.
    Although Tecnam SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 2 specifies reporting certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that 
reporting.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

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 prior 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 the 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. 
Missing aileron hinges or cotter pins, and cracked, damaged, or 
improperly installed aileron hinges or cotter pins can allow hinge pins 
to migrate out of the hinge assembly, which could result in detachment 
of the aileron. This represents a single-point failure with the 
potential for a catastrophic event, as detachment of a primary flight-
control surface could result in loss of roll control, loss of airplane 
controllability, and loss of the airplane and occupants. Additionally, 
the compliance time in this AD is shorter than the time necessary for 
the public to comment before 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 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 102 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed visual inspection of both inboard   1 work-hour x $85 per hour =           $0         $85        $8,670
 and outboard aileron hinges.                 $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation of cotter pin...........  1 work-hour x $85 per    $1 per cotter pin......  $86 per affected cotter
                                        hour = $85.                                       pin.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The on-condition hinge repair that may be needed as a result of the 
inspection could vary from airplane to airplane. The FAA has received 
no data to determine the costs to accomplish the repair or the number 
of airplanes that may require hinge repair.

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

[[Page 61123]]

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:

2026-19-06 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A.: Amendment 39-
23473; Docket No. FAA-2026-11784; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-
00700-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. 
(Tecnam) Model P2006T airplanes, certificated in any category, 
serial numbers (S/N) 001 through 434 and S/N 442.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2710, Aileron 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of partial detachment of the 
left aileron due to a missing hinge pin. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to detect and address cracks, damage, or improper installation of 
the aileron hinges and cotter pins. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could lead to detachment of an aileron, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 flight hours or 30 days, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed 
visual inspection of the inboard and outboard aileron hinges of the 
left and right ailerons for damage (cracks, warping of the hinges or 
hinge pin, scratched paint, missing or broken torque stripe, etc.), 
and inspect the cotter pins installed at both ends of each hinge pin 
for improper installation and evidence of looseness, in accordance 
with steps N 4 and 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Tecnam 
Service Bulletin No. SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 2, dated September 18, 
2026 (Tecnam SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 2).
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, no discrepancy affecting a cotter pin or crack or damage of 
an aileron hinge is found, no further action is required by this AD.
    (3) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any discrepancy affecting a cotter pin is found, before 
further flight, replace and secure the cotter pin, in accordance 
with step N 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Tecnam SB 995-
CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 2.
    (4) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, any crack or damage is found on an aileron hinge, before 
further flight, contact the Manager, International Validation 
Branch, FAA; or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or 
Tecnam's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for approved 
corrective instructions. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature. Accomplish the approved 
corrective instructions accordingly.

(h) No Reporting Requirement

    Although Tecnam SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 2 specifies to submit 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that 
action.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Tecnam Service Bulletin No. SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 
Rev. 0, dated April 21, 2026, or Tecnam Service Bulletin No. SB 995-
CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 1, dated August 25, 2026.

(j) 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 (k)(1) 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.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Kenward, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5152; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by 
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (l)(3) 
of 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) Tecnam Service Bulletin No. SB 995-CS-Ed. 1 Rev. 2, dated 
September 18, 2026.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Tecnam material identified in this AD, contact 
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A., Via Maiorise, 81043 Capua 
CE, Italy; phone: +39 0823 997538; 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, 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 September 21, 2026.
Hollister B. Thorson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19760 Filed 9-25-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T00:45:53.217039+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.

Open the captured official edition

Source SHA-256

06e809b85351357deee004f019e7a46a72b8fbfae8f3a9c3cea9034c5fe788fe

Text SHA-256

674af97ed3a4a4053376e9930a3d8de5812f16961e5c62112235af7f2a08afda