FAA Dumps Abandoned Aircraft Certs: Data Up for Grabs!
Published Date: 1/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA plans to declare three R.J. Schroers aircraft modification certificates as abandoned because they couldn’t reach the owner. This means the FAA will share the engineering info with anyone who asks, helping keep planes safe. If you want to comment, you’ve got until July 27, 2026, so don’t miss out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
FAA to Release STC Engineering Data
The FAA intends to designate Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Nos. SA91NW, SA152NW, and SA2472WE as abandoned and make the related engineering data available to anyone who requests it. This release will occur if the FAA does not receive a response by July 27, 2026.
Owners Must Respond by July 27, 2026
If you are the owner, heir, or transferee of STC Nos. SA91NW, SA152NW, or SA2472WE, you must contact the FAA before July 27, 2026 to assert ownership. If no response is received by that date, the FAA will consider the STCs abandoned and release the engineering data.
Heirs/Transferees Must Provide Notarized ID
If you claim to be the owner, heir, or transferee of any of these STCs, you must provide a notarized copy of your government-issued identification and a letter establishing ownership or your relationship as heir when contacting the FAA.
Legal Criteria to Release STC Data
Under 49 U.S.C. 44704(a)(5), the FAA can release STC engineering data for maintenance or improvement if (1) the STC has been inactive for 3 years or more, (2) the FAA is unable to locate the owner of record or the owner’s heir using due diligence, and (3) the availability of the data will enhance aviation safety.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10293 — Prohibition of Remote Dispatching
The FAA wants to stop airplane dispatchers from working remotely, except in emergencies when the main center is down. This change affects all domestic, flag, and supplemental airline operators and aims to keep flight safety tight and clear. Comments on this rule are open until July 21, 2026, so airlines and dispatchers should get ready for a new way of working that could shake up their routines.
2026-10270 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes to get a close check on their overheat detection sensors because some parts might not work right. If problems are found, those parts must be replaced, and no faulty parts can be installed anymore. This rule kicks in on June 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10256 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus EC130T2 helicopters, the FAA wants you to install a new fix on the tail rotor drive shaft and keep checking its vibration regularly. This update replaces old rules and stops certain parts from being used unless they meet new safety standards. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might cost some bucks, it’s all about keeping flights safe and smooth.
2026-10271 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes are safe by checking and fixing bolts on the baggage door that might have been tightened wrong. Owners need to inspect and adjust or replace these bolts by June 26, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix helps avoid any door problems and keeps passengers secure without breaking the bank.
2026-10272 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a backup fuel pump might fail quietly, trapping fuel that can’t be used. Starting June 8, 2026, airlines must regularly check these pumps and fix any issues to keep flights safe—no big wallet hits expected, just smart safety moves.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01445 — Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-OpenGMSL Association
The OpenGMSL Association just added 11 new members from around the world, including big names like Garmin and Honda. This update keeps their teamwork protected under special antitrust rules, meaning they’re safe from certain legal troubles while working together. No other changes were made, and the group plans to keep growing and sharing updates.
Next: 2026-01447 — Certain Chassis and Subassemblies Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Determination of Covered Merchandise Inquiry
The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily decided that certain chassis and parts imported from China by FEMC LLC are subject to special trade duties to keep things fair. This means importers like FEMC LLC might face extra costs starting January 26, 2026, as the government enforces these rules. The final decision is expected by the end of 2025, so businesses should stay alert for updates and possible financial impacts.