Rule2026-06532
Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
April 3, 2026
Effective
April 20, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. (Tecnam) Model P2010 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of unrecoverable loss of engine power. This AD requires repetitive detailed borescope inspections (BSIs) of the exhaust muffler flame tube and, depending on the results, repair of the exhaust muffler flame tube. This AD includes an optional terminating action for the inspection and repair requirements. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 64 (Friday, April 3, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 64 (Friday, April 3, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16824-16826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06532]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2728; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00092-A;
Amendment 39-23300; AD 2026-07-05]
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 P2010
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of unrecoverable loss of
engine power. This AD requires repetitive detailed borescope
inspections (BSIs) of the exhaust muffler flame tube and, depending on
the results, repair of the exhaust muffler flame tube. This AD includes
an optional terminating action for the inspection and repair
requirements. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 20, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 20,
2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 18, 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2728; 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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a3e2f29222423292b2664393f3a3a25383e0a762b6a22382f2c77" http: tecnam.com">tecnam.com</a>">technical.support@<a href="http://tecnam.com">tecnam.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://tecnam.com">tecnam.com</a>.
<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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2728.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817)
222-4045; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91f6f4fee3f6f4bff0bfe6f4f8e3d1f7f0f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6700020815000249064910020e152701060649000811">[email protected]</span></a>.
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-2026-2728; Project
Identifier MCAI-2026-00092-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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, 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 George
Weir, 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 2026-0023, dated February 2, 2026 (also referred to as the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Tecnam Model P2010
airplanes. The MCAI states that there was a report of unrecoverable
loss of engine power on a P2010 airplane. A subsequent investigation
identified a 95 percent blockage of the exhaust due to disconnection of
the exhaust muffler flame tube. A similar impending failure was also
detected on another airplane of the same model. As a result, the
manufacturer published updated service material providing instructions
for repetitive BSIs of the exhaust muffler flame tube. This condition,
if not detected and corrected, could result in unrecoverable loss of
engine power and loss of control of the airplane. The MCAI requires
initial and repetitive inspections of the exhaust muffler flame tube
and, if any discrepancy 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2728.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 1,
dated February 26, 2026 (TECNAM SB 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 1); and TECNAM
P2010-Maintenance Manual, Tecnam P2010
[[Page 16825]]
AMM Supplement S6, Ed. 2, Rev. 2, dated January 8, 2026. This material
specifies procedures for performing repetitive detailed BSIs of the
perforated flame tube within the exhaust muffler. 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.
Although TECNAM SB 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 1, specifies reporting
certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that
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.
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 failure of the exhaust muffler flame tube could result in
blockage of the exhaust system, leading to an unrecoverable loss of
engine power during flight. A loss of engine power in flight reduces
the pilot's ability to maintain safe operation of the airplane.
Accordingly, the FAA has determined that inspection of the exhaust
muffler flame tube must be accomplished within 25 hours time-in-service
or 30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD,
to prevent potential loss of engine power during flight. These
compliance times are shorter than the time necessary for the public to
comment prior to publication of a 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 33 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Perform repetitive BSIs of the 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 per inspection......... $5,610
exhaust muffler flame tube. per hour = $170
per inspection.
Revise aircraft maintenance 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85......................... 2,805
program. per hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any repairs 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 these
repairs:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair exhaust muffler flame tube............ 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,500 $2,840
$340.
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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
[[Page 16826]]
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:
2026-07-05 Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A.: Amendment 39-
23300; Docket No. FAA-2026-2728; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00092-
A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 20, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A.
(Tecnam) Model P2010 airplanes, up to and including serial number
335, certificated in any category, that are equipped with a Lycoming
IO-390 engine (MOD2010/078).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7800, Engine Exhaust
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of unrecoverable loss of engine
power. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address blockage of
the exhaust system due to potential failure of the exhaust muffler
flame tube. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of engine power and 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 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter, at
intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS, perform a detailed borescope
inspection (BSI) of the exhaust muffler flame tube for cracks,
fractures, or evidence of crack or fracture initiation, in
accordance with Appendix A of the Accomplishment Instructions in
TECNAM Service Bulletin (SB) 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 1, dated February
26, 2026 (TECNAM SB 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 1).
(2) If any crack, fracture, or evidence of crack or fracture
initiation is detected during any BSI required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD, before further flight, repair using a method approved by
the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Tecnam's EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(h) Optional Terminating Action
Revising the aircraft maintenance program for your airplane to
include TECNAM P2010-Maintenace Manual, Tecnam P2010 AMM Supplement
S6, Ed. 2, Rev. 2, dated January 8, 2026, constitutes an acceptable
method to comply with the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (2)
of this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although TECNAM SB 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 1, specifies to submit
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that
action.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed those actions before the
effective date of this AD using TECNAM Service Bulletin SB 937-CS-
Ed. 1, Rev. 0, dated September 16, 2025; or TECNAM Service Bulletin
SB 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 0, dated January 7, 2026.
(k) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(l) 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 (m) of
this AD and email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#46070b09050620272768212930"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85c4c8cac6c5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>. 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.
(m) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact George Weir,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4045; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8aedefe5f8edefa4eba4fdefe3f8caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1473717b6673713a753a63717d66547275753a737b62">[email protected]</span></a>.
(n) 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 937-CS-Ed. 2, Rev. 1, dated
February 26, 2026.
(ii) TECNAM P2010-Maintenance Manual, Tecnam P2010 AMM
Supplement S6, Ed. 2, Rev. 2, dated January 8, 2026.
(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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b1f0e08030502080a0745181e1b1b04191f2b570a4b03190e0d56" http: tecnam.com">tecnam.com</a>">technical.support@<a href="http://tecnam.com">tecnam.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://tecnam.com">tecnam.com</a>.
(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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aec8dc80c7c0dddecbcddac7c1c0eec0cfdccf80c9c1d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dbbda9f5b2b5a8abbeb8afb2b4b59bb5baa9baf5bcb4ad">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 31, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-06532 Filed 4-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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