FAA to Textron Pilots: Check Those Cracked Engine Beams Now!
Published Date: 9/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or fly certain Textron (formerly Cessna) Model 402C and 414A airplanes, the FAA wants you to check your engine beams more often for cracks and replace them once they hit a new life limit. This keeps your plane safe and sound, but it means some extra inspections and possible replacements soon. Comments on this plan are open until November 9, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Frequent engine-beam inspections required
If you own or operate a Textron (formerly Cessna) Model 402C or 414A airplane, you must inspect each engine beam using radiographic (x-ray), eddy current, and visual methods. Initial inspection is required at the later of (i) at or before 15,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on each engine beam, or (ii) within the next 100 hours TIS after April 24, 2015 or within 90 days after April 24, 2015 (whichever of those two occurs first); inspections must then be repeated at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS as long as no cracks are found. If any crack is found, you must remove the engine beam from service or repair it using an FAA‑approved method before further flight.
New engine-beam life-limit and replacement timeline
If you own or operate these Model 402C or 414A airplanes, the FAA requires replacing affected engine beams according to new life-limits tied to hours TIS. For beams with 19,700 hours TIS or less as of the effective date of the AD, replace before reaching 20,000 hours TIS. For beams with more than 19,700 hours TIS as of the effective date: if less than 23,000 hours TIS, replace within 300 hours TIS or 3 years (whichever occurs first); if 23,000 hours TIS or more, replace within 110 hours TIS or 1 year (whichever occurs first).
Who is affected — fleet size and applicability
This proposed AD applies to all Textron (Cessna) Model 402C and 414A airplanes certificated in any category. The FAA estimates the rule would affect 476 airplanes on the U.S. registry.
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.
2026-19345, Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
If you own or operate Bell Textron Canada Model 429 helicopters, heads up! The FAA wants you to check the sliding door’s lower roller parts for damage and fix any issues to stop doors from jamming. You’ll also need to update the roller setup soon, with comments on this rule due by November 6, 2026. This keeps your chopper safe without breaking the bank.
2026-19343, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
If you own or maintain Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopters, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance rules with new safety limits to keep flying safe. This replaces an older rule and means you’ll need to revise your maintenance manuals soon. Comments on this change are open until November 6, 2026, so get ready to act and keep those choppers in top shape!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19400, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4-Hydroxy-N,N-Diisopropyltryptamine (4-OH-DiPT), 5-Methoxy-alpha-Methyltryptamine (5-MeO-AMT), 5-Methoxy-N-Methyl-N-Isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT), 5-Methoxy-N,N-Diethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DET), and N,N-Diisopropyltryptamine (DiPT) Into Schedule I
The Drug Enforcement Administration wants to put five specific hallucinogenic drugs into Schedule I, meaning they’ll be treated as illegal with strict rules. This affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or owns these drugs, adding serious legal consequences. You have until October 23, 2026, to share your thoughts or ask for a hearing before the rule might become official.
Next: 2026-19430, Safety Zone; Massachusetts Bay, Boston, MA
The Coast Guard wants to create a temporary safety zone in Massachusetts Bay, 22 miles northeast of Boston, to keep people and boats safe during underwater demolition work. This means no one can enter the area without special permission while the Neptune LNG Deepwater Port is being taken apart. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until October 23, 2026, to comment—no costs for the public, just safety first!