FAA Orders Engine Vibes Check After Takeoff Fiascos
Published Date: 1/22/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is rolling out new safety rules for certain CFM LEAP engines after spotting a problem that caused aborted takeoffs and emergency turns. Pilots and maintenance crews will need to check engine vibrations and inspect key parts regularly, replacing some worn components during the next shop visit. These changes kick in on February 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Every-50-Cycle NSV Monitoring Required
If your airplane has an affected CFM LEAP-1A engine, you must calculate non-synchronous vibration (NSV) within 50 flight cycles after February 26, 2026 and then at intervals not to exceed 50 flight cycles. If NSV exceeds specified thresholds, you must remove the identified No. 3 bearing spring finger housing within 25 or 5 flight cycles (as applicable) and inspect the stage 2 HPT nozzle assembly honeycomb and HPT stator stationary seal honeycomb.
Mandatory Replacement at Next Shop Visit
At the next shop visit after February 26, 2026, operators must replace any No. 3 bearing spring finger housing with part number 2629M62G01 and a serial number listed in Table 1 of the referenced CFM service bulletin with a part eligible for installation. That replacement also serves as terminating action for the repeated NSV calculations required by the AD.
Estimated Compliance and On‑Condition Costs
The FAA estimates per-engine costs: $85 to calculate NSV, $340 to inspect the stage 2 HPT nozzle assembly and HPT stator stationary seal, and $66,035 to replace the No. 3 bearing spring finger housing (17 work-hours plus $64,590 parts). The AD affects three engines on U.S. registry, giving an estimated total cost to U.S. operators of $198,105 for the mandatory housing replacements; on-condition replacements are estimated at $59,216 for a stage 2 HPT nozzle assembly honeycomb and $7,535 for an HPT stator stationary seal.
Prevents HPC Stall and Power Loss
The AD is intended to prevent high-pressure compressor (HPC) stall caused by high non-synchronous vibration (NSV) and wear on the No. 3 bearing spring finger housing. The FAA warns that, if not addressed, the condition could lead to engine power loss during takeoff or climb, loss of thrust control, reduced aircraft controllability, and possible loss of the airplane.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-18601, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-23- 06, which applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes. AD 2023-23-06 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-23- 06, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023-23-06 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-18602, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-22- 12, which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. AD 2023-22-12 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-22-12, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023- 22-12 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01150, Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Emergency Action to Temporarily Increase 2026 Harvest Specifications and Sector Allocations for Shortspine Thornyhead, Canary Rockfish, and Petrale Sole
Fishermen on the West Coast get a boost! For the first half of 2026, the allowed catch for shortspine thornyhead, canary rockfish, and petrale sole is going up because new data shows more fish are available. This emergency change helps prevent big money losses and lasts from January 21 to July 20, 2026.
Next: 2026-01167, Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS); Corrections
U.S. Customs and Border Protection fixed a small mistake from their November 2025 air cargo security update by putting back some important legal references they accidentally removed. This correction affects air cargo shippers and security teams, making sure the rules are clear and official starting January 22, 2026. No new costs or deadlines, just a tidy legal fix to keep things running smoothly.