2026-22317·DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Final RuleFinal Rule

Published: Nov 2, 2026
Effective: Dec 7, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68879
Docket: Docket No. FAA-2026-7215, Project Identifier AD-2025-01558-T, Amendment 39-23506
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Federal Aviation Administration

Final rule.

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive that replaces an earlier rule (AD 2023‑07‑09) for certain Boeing 747‑400 and 747‑8 airplanes. The directive requires operators to perform repeated inspections of specific fuel‑system components—the transfer‑pump housing inlet check valves and the transfer‑pump motor impeller inlet adapters that serve the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank—to look for wear or damage. If problems are found, the rule mandates corrective actions, and it also restricts the installation of these parts unless they meet the new inspection criteria. The change was made because Boeing identified additional risks that the original directive did not fully address, prompting the FAA to tighten oversight of the affected parts. The rule is issued by the Department of Transportation’s FAA and applies to all U.S.‑registered Boeing 747‑400 and 747‑8 aircraft that have the identified fuel‑system components. Airlines, leasing companies, and maintenance organizations that operate or service these models must comply with the new inspection schedule and part‑installation limits. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on November 2, 2026 and becomes effective on December 7, 2026. Operators are expected to begin the required inspections shortly after the effective date and to follow the on‑condition actions outlined in the directive. No public comment period is provided because the rule is already final; however, the FAA will monitor compliance and may issue further guidance if additional safety concerns arise.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-07- 09, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -8 series airplanes. AD 2023-07-09 required inspecting for wear of the transfer pump housing inlet check valves and transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapters for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank and doing corrective actions, if necessary, and limited the installation of affected parts. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer developing further action to address the unsafe condition. This AD requires repetitive inspections for damage of the transfer pump housing inlet check valves and transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapters for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank and applicable on-condition actions. This AD also limits the installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.