FAA to Pilots: Don't Pair Risky Rolls-Royce Oil Pumps on Twins
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is making a new rule for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland engines because some oil pumps might cause low oil pressure. If your plane has two of these engines, you need to make sure only one has the affected oil pump to keep flying safe. This rule starts on September 21, 2026, and owners should act fast to avoid problems and keep their planes in the sky.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential costly oil pump repair
If a records check shows repair or replacement is needed, the FAA estimates on‑condition costs up to $238,430 per engine (parts up to $237,070 plus up to 16 work‑hours at $85/hour = $1,360). The FAA did not estimate how many engines will need repair.
Must de-pair twin-engine airplanes
If your airplane has two of the listed Rolls‑Royce engines, you must de‑pair them so no more than one affected oil pump is installed on twin‑engine airplanes. This requirement follows EASA Emergency AD 2026-0173-E and is effective September 21, 2026 (emergency AD effective September 5, 2026).
Records check required ($85)
You must perform a records check taking 1 work‑hour at $85 to determine affected engines. The FAA estimates the cost per product is $85 and the total cost to U.S. operators for 154 engines is $13,090.
No special flight permits allowed
Special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 are not allowed for these engines. Operators cannot use special permits to fly aircraft that are out of compliance with this AD.
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.
2026-19143, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Alma, MI
The FAA is updating the Class E airspace around Alma, Michigan because a nearby navigation beacon was turned off. This change helps keep flights safe and smooth for pilots using instruments to fly. The new airspace rules kick in on December 24, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone.
2026-19149, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
The FAA is updating flight rules for certain airports to keep flying safe and smooth. They’re changing how pilots approach, take off, and avoid obstacles based on new tech and airspace changes. These updates kick in on September 18, 2026, and affect pilots and airports, but won’t cost anyone extra.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19161, International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Clarifying Policies of Denial, Updating the Major Non-NATO Ally List, and Minor Corrections
The Department of State updated the rules about sending defense stuff to certain countries, making the rules clearer and adding Saudi Arabia and Peru as major non-NATO allies. They also changed policies for Ethiopia and Somalia and fixed some small errors. These changes started on September 18, 2026, and affect anyone dealing with defense exports or imports, helping them know exactly what’s allowed and what’s not.
Next: 2026-19172, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co. KG Engines
If you own or operate planes with Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, or 772B-60 engines, listen up! The FAA found some oil pumps might cause low oil pressure, which is a big no-no. Starting September 21, 2026, twin-engine planes must have their engines 'de-paired' so only one risky oil pump is in use, keeping flights safe without breaking the bank.