Rotax Pilots: Check Nozzles or Swap Gearboxes Now
Published Date: 8/13/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making sure certain BRP-Rotax engines used in various aircraft are safe by requiring a one-time check to see if an oil spray nozzle and screws are properly installed on the propeller gearbox. If they're missing, the gearbox must be replaced. This rule starts August 28, 2026, and helps keep pilots and passengers safe without big costs unless a replacement is needed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory gearbox inspection and replacement
If your airplane has one of the listed Rotax engines, you must do a one-time visual inspection of the propeller gearbox for the oil spray nozzle and M7X16 hexagon screws by August 28, 2026. The inspection must be done before further flight for engines with less than 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within 5 hours TIS for engines with 25 hours or more; if the nozzle or screws are missing, the propeller gearbox must be replaced before further flight. The FAA estimates this AD affects 180 engines on U.S. airplanes, with an inspection cost of $170 per engine and an on-condition replacement cost showing labor $5,600 and parts $5,897.50 as listed in the rule.
Prohibition on installing affected gearboxes
After August 28, 2026, you may not install a propeller gearbox with serial numbers listed in the Rotax Alert Service Bulletin ASB-2026-001R00 on any engine unless it has been inspected in accordance with this AD. Replacing the propeller gearbox in accordance with the AD at or before the inspection compliance time also counts as terminating the inspection requirement for that engine.
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