Both final rules published September 11, 2026 in Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 175 · AD 2026-18-05 (Dassault Aviation, doc. 2026-18602, Docket FAA-2026-4663) and AD 2026-18-04 (Rolls-Royce Deutschland, doc. 2026-18601, Docket FAA-2026-2287) · 14 CFR Part 39 · both MCAI-based, originating from EASA
Quick Answers
What are these two ADs? Two FAA final rules published the same day, both effective October 16, 2026, both translating EASA safety directives to the US fleet: AD 2026-18-05 supersedes AD 2023-23-06 for Dassault Falcon 2000EX airplanes and requires a maintenance/inspection-programme revision incorporating new, more restrictive airworthiness limitations; AD 2026-18-04 supersedes AD 2020-06-16 for Rolls-Royce Deutschland RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60 and 772B-60 engines and requires updated initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of low-pressure compressor (LPC) blades.
What must Falcon 2000EX operators do? Within 90 days of the effective date, revise the existing maintenance or inspection program to comply with EASA AD 2026-0041 (dated February 27, 2026) — new, more restrictive structural airworthiness limitations and safe-life limits. Complying with the new revision terminates the retained requirements of AD 2023-23-06.
What must Trent 700 engine operators do? Perform initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections (UIs) of affected LPC blades using RRD’s improved inspection procedures, with updated initial-inspection compliance times, and replace blades, depending on UI results, with a part eligible for installation.
What do they cost? Dassault: ≈315 US-registered airplanes; ≈$7,650 per operator per program-revision action (90 work-hours × $85/hr), per-operator basis because changes are incorporated fleet-wide. Trent: cost figures sit in the FR cost section — [CONFIRM: FR doc. 2026-18601, Costs of Compliance].
Quick Compliance Summary
| Field | AD 2026-18-05 — Dassault Aviation | AD 2026-18-04 — Rolls-Royce Deutschland |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument | Final rule, 14 CFR Part 39 (Amdt 39-23460) | Final rule, 14 CFR Part 39 (Amdt 39-23459) |
| Status | Both final — effective October 16, 2026 | |
| Published | September 11, 2026 (FR doc. 2026-18602) | September 11, 2026 (FR doc. 2026-18601) |
| Docket | FAA-2026-4663 (MCAI-2026-00208-T) | FAA-2026-2287 (MCAI-2025-01208-E) |
| Supersedes | AD 2023-23-06 (88 FR 86029, Dec 12, 2023) | AD 2020-06-16 |
| Applicability | Falcon 2000EX, any category, original airworthiness/export certificate issued on or before January 15, 2026 | RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60 engines (Trent 700 family — A330 powerplant) |
| Unsafe condition | Reduced structural integrity of the airplane — new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations necessary | LPC blade condition requiring ultrasonic inspection; updated RRD service material improves UI procedures and initial compliance times |
| Required action | Revise maintenance/inspection programme per EASA AD 2026-0041 (terminating action); earlier aircraft comply per EASA AD 2023-0100 until terminated | Initial and repetitive UIs of affected LPC blades; replacement with eligible part depending on results |
| MCAI origin | EASA AD 2026-0041 (Feb 27, 2026) | EASA material (MCAI project 2025-01208-E) |
| Units / cost | ≈315 US airplanes; ≈$7,650/operator per revision action | [CONFIRM: population and cost per FR doc. 2026-18601] |
| AMOC path | 14 CFR 39.19 — Manager, International Validation Branch | 14 CFR 39.19 — Manager, International Validation Branch |
Who Should Read This
- CAMOs / continuing airworthiness managers of Falcon 2000EX fleets — 90-day program-revision deadline after October 16, 2026
- A330 operators and engine asset managers (Trent 700) — updated UI procedures and initial-inspection compliance times
- MRO / engine shops — ultrasonic inspection capability, blade eligibility tracking
- Lessors and technical records teams — programme-revision evidence and blade inspection records for return conditions
- International operators — this is the FAA validation of EASA AD 2026-0041 and updated RRD service material; align compliance data across registries
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common publication | Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 175 (Friday, September 11, 2026), Rules and Regulations, pp. 57780–57782+ |
| Common effective date | October 16, 2026 |
| Common origin | MCAI — mandatory continuing airworthiness information from EASA (State of Design Authority under the US–EU bilateral) |
| Dassault rulemaking path | NPRM June 30, 2026 (91 FR 39569) → no comments → adopted as proposed |
| Dassault key dates | Aircraft with original CoA ≤ Jan 15, 2023: interim compliance per EASA AD 2023-0100; revision per EASA AD 2026-0041 within 90 days of Oct 16, 2026 (vs EASA’s 12-month window) terminates earlier requirements |
| Trent rulemaking basis | RRD updated service material — improved UI procedures + updated initial inspection compliance times |
| IBR | Dassault AD: EASA AD 2023-0100 (since Jan 16, 2024) and EASA AD 2026-0041 (as of Oct 16, 2026) |
| Manufacturer instructions | Dassault AD: methods approved by FAA International Validation Branch, EASA, or Dassault’s EASA DOA (DOA-authorized signature required) |
What These ADs Do
AD 2026-18-05 — Dassault Falcon 2000EX
Since AD 2023-23-06 mandated the first round of structural airworthiness-limitation revisions, EASA has further developed more restrictive limitations, issued as EASA AD 2026-0041 (February 27, 2026). The new FAA AD continues the actions retained from the 2023 directive and requires operators to revise their existing maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the EASA AD 2026-0041 limitations, addressing reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Two practical mechanics matter: the FAA gives operators 90 days from the effective date to complete the revision (tighter than EASA’s 12-month formulation), and completing the revision is the terminating action for the retained 2023-era requirements. For aircraft with an original certificate issued on or before January 15, 2023 that haven’t yet completed the earlier revision, the retained path (EASA AD 2023-0100) applies until terminated. After revision, no alternative actions or intervals are allowed unless approved under the “Ref. Publications” provisions of EASA AD 2026-0041.
AD 2026-18-04 — Rolls-Royce Deutschland Trent 700 engines
AD 2020-06-16 introduced initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of affected LPC blades on RB211 Trent 768-60, 772-60 and 772B-60 engines, with replacement contingent on UI results. RRD has since issued updated service material that improves the ultrasonic inspection procedures and revises the initial-inspection compliance times.
The new AD supersedes the 2020 directive and mandates the improved inspection regime — same inspection concept, better procedures, updated deadlines for the initial inspection. Replacement with a part eligible for installation follows where UI results require it.
What they do NOT do
- They do not ground either fleet or impose operational restrictions — compliance is program- and inspection-based.
- The Dassault AD does not adopt every provision of the EASA directives (paragraphs (1)–(2), (4)–(5) and “Remarks” sections are excepted) — follow the FAA text, not the EASA text alone.
- The Dassault AD does not allow alternative actions/intervals after revision unless approved per the EASA AD’s “Ref. Publications” provisions.
- The Trent AD does not change the inspection concept — it refines procedures and timing; the UI requirement itself continues.
Why These Exist Now
Both directives follow the FAA–EASA MCAI validation pipeline: EASA, as the State of Design authority for both products, identifies the unsafe condition and issues its AD; the FAA validates the information for the US-registered fleet under the US–EU bilateral agreement and issues a corresponding Part 39 directive. For the Falcon, the trigger was EASA AD 2026-0041 (Feb 27, 2026) building on the structural-limitation program begun with EASA AD 2023-0100; the NPRM drew no comments and was adopted as proposed.
For the Trent 700, the trigger was RRD’s updated service material, which improved the 2020-era inspection procedures. Both were issued August 31, 2026 (per the FR text for the Dassault rule) and published together in the September 11, 2026 Federal Register issue.
Operational Impact Matrix
| Affected function | Action required | Deadline / driver | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon 2000EX CAMOs | Revise maintenance/inspection programme per EASA AD 2026-0041; document terminating action | Within 90 days of Oct 16, 2026 | AD 2026-18-05 para (j) |
| Falcon programme/engineering | Apply EASA AD 2023-0100 path for pre-Jan 2023 aircraft if the earlier revision is still open; map new limitations/thresholds into the AMP | Per (g)/(k) mechanics | AD 2026-18-05 |
| Trent 700 engine CAMOs / asset managers | Adopt improved UI procedures; re-baseline initial-inspection compliance times; schedule repetitive UIs | Per updated initial compliance times | AD 2026-18-04 |
| MRO / NDT shops | Confirm ultrasonic inspection capability per updated RRD procedures; blade eligibility tracking | Before first due inspection | AD 2026-18-04 |
| Lessors / technical records | Record programme-revision and UI evidence; align return conditions | At each accomplishment | Both ADs |
| Engineering / approvals | Manufacturer instructions only via approved channels (FAA IVB, EASA, or Dassault DOA with authorized signature) | Ongoing | AD 2026-18-05 (m) |
Cost & Benefit
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dassault — affected airplanes (US registry) | ≈315 |
| Dassault — retained actions (from AD 2023-23-06) | ≈$7,650 per operator (90 work-hrs × $85/hr) |
| Dassault — new program revision | ≈$7,650 per operator average (per-operator basis — changes incorporated fleet-wide) |
| Trent 700 — affected engines / cost | [CONFIRM: FR doc. 2026-18601, Costs of Compliance section] |
The FAA determined that, for the Dassault AD, none of the changes increase the economic burden on operators relative to the existing directive (no comments challenged the cost), and that the AD has no significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
What Operators Should Do Now
- Falcon 2000EX: determine which side of the January 15, 2023 / January 15, 2026 certificate dates your tails fall on — the compliance path differs; calendar the 90-day revision deadline from October 16, 2026.
- Obtain EASA AD 2026-0041 and map its limitations/thresholds into the AMP as a discrete revision work package (≈90 work-hours planning basis).
- Trent 700: pull RRD’s updated service material, re-baseline initial UI compliance times per tail/engine, and confirm your NDT provider is current on the improved procedures.
- Route any manufacturer-instruction requests through approved channels (FAA International Validation Branch, EASA, or Dassault DOA with authorized signature) — informal instructions don’t satisfy the AD.
- Where an alternative action/interval is needed post-revision, secure approval per the EASA AD “Ref. Publications” provisions — the FAA AD bars unapproved alternatives.
- For non-US registrations, check your authority’s mirror action (EASA AD 2026-0041 is already in force in the EU system).
Compliance Checklist
- Both ADs entered in the AD tracker with effective date Oct 16, 2026 and docket references
- Falcon fleet segmented by certificate date (≤Jan 15, 2023 vs ≤Jan 15, 2026)
- 90-day program-revision work package scoped and assigned (Dassault)
- EASA AD 2026-0041 limitations mapped into the AMP; terminating-action evidence defined
- RRD updated UI procedures obtained; initial-inspection compliance times re-baselined per engine
- NDT capability confirmed for improved ultrasonic procedures
- AMOC needs assessed under 14 CFR 39.19 (International Validation Branch)
- Records/return-condition evidence updated for both ADs
Regulatory Interplay
- Supersession chains: Falcon — AD 2023-23-06 → AD 2026-18-05 (with EASA AD 2023-0100 → EASA AD 2026-0041 as the technical spine). Trent — AD 2020-06-16 → AD 2026-18-04.
- MCAI pipeline: both are FAA validations of EASA-originated directives under the US–EU bilateral — the same mechanism as the IAE V2500 AD 2026-17-03 covered in ARW’s September article.
- Timing overlap: both take effect October 16, 2026 — the same day the V2500 blade-replacement AD’s shop-visit regime is in its first weeks; engine shops should consolidate scheduling.
- IBR watch: EASA AD 2026-0041 becomes incorporated by reference on October 16, 2026 — compliance means the FAA text read together with the EASA material.
ARW take: two different compliance animals share one effective date. The Falcon AD is a program-deadline rule — miss the 90-day revision window and every affected tail is out of compliance at once; make the revision early, and the terminating action closes out the 2023 obligations in one stroke.
The Trent AD is a procedure-quality rule — the inspection obligation continues, but improved ultrasonic procedures and re-baselined initial times change when you must first inspect, so stale 2020-era planning data will produce incorrect due dates.
The combined lesson for MCAI fleets: when the State-of-Design authority updates its directive or service material, expect the FAA validation within months — build a standing watch on EASA ADs for your types rather than reacting to each Federal Register notice.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| EASA AD 2023-0100 (Falcon, first limitations round) | May 11, 2023 |
| AD 2023-23-06 (Falcon, first FAA directive) | December 12, 2023 (88 FR 86029) |
| EASA AD 2026-0041 (Falcon, new limitations) | February 27, 2026 |
| Falcon NPRM published | June 30, 2026 (91 FR 39569) |
| Both final rules issued | August 31, 2026 |
| Federal Register publication (both) | September 11, 2026 |
| Both ADs effective | October 16, 2026 |
| Falcon 90-day programme-revision deadline | January 14, 2027 (90 days after effective date) |
Source Documents
- Federal Register (both ADs) — FR Vol. 91, No. 175 (Sept 11, 2026) PDF — docs. 2026-18601 & 2026-18602
- FAA DRS — Airworthiness Directives (AD Final Rules listing)
- Dockets — FAA-2026-4663 (Dassault) · FAA-2026-2287 (RRD)
- Related ARW coverage — FAA AD 2026-15-11 (737 MAX) · FAA AD 2026-17-03 (IAE V2500)
FAA AD 2026-18-05: FAQ
My Falcon 2000EX was delivered in 2024 — which path applies?
The new-revision path (EASA AD 2026-0041) with the 90-day deadline from October 16, 2026. Only aircraft with an original certificate issued on or before January 15, 2023 interact with the retained EASA AD 2023-0100 requirements.
Does the Falcon 90-day deadline really override EASA’s 12 months?
Yes — the FAA AD excepts EASA AD 2026-0041 paragraph (3)’s 12-month formulation and imposes its own 90-day revision requirement (same approach it took in AD 2023-23-06).
Are the Trent 700 inspections new?
No — AD 2020-06-16 already mandated them. What’s new: RRD’s improved ultrasonic procedures and updated initial-inspection compliance times, now mandatory via the superseding AD.
Can I keep using alternative inspection intervals on the Falcon after revising?
Only if approved under the “Ref. Publications” provisions of EASA AD 2026-0041 — otherwise, no.
Is EASA AD 2026-0041 enough on its own for US-registered aircraft?
No — the FAA AD has its own exceptions and deadlines; comply with the FAA text as the controlling document, using the EASA material as incorporated.
Related Posts
- FAA AD 2026-17-03: IAE V2500-A5 Engines — 3rd Stage HPC Rotor Blade Replacement
- FAA NPRM: Special Flight Rules Area Near President Donald J. Trump International Airport
- t FAA NPRM: Improving Emergency Medical Kit Efficacy and Flexibility in Commercial Airline Operations PROPOSED — COMMENTS DUE OCTOBER 5, 2026
FAA NPRM: Improving Emergency Medical Kit Efficacy and Flexibility in Commercial Airline Operations
aviationregwatch.com publishes regulatory intelligence for aviation compliance professionals. This article is an informational summary compiled from the sources listed above, not legal or airworthiness advice. Verify against the primary sources (FR docs. 2026-18601 / 2026-18602) before making compliance decisions. Consult your CAMO, MRO, or legal counsel for fleet-specific actions.