Federal Register #2026-19972

FAA proposed fuel-indicator and manual requirements for Vulcanair P.68 and P.68B airplanes

The Federal Aviation Administration proposes aircraft safety requirements for certain Vulcanair P.68 and P.68B airplanes; this is a proposed rule, not a request to buy products or services. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). - OEMs mentioned: Vulcanair S.p.A., manufacturer of the affected P.68 and P.68B airplanes; Airbus SAS, mentioned in a separate proposed airworthiness directive with no further details in the provided material. - Affected aircraft: Vulcanair Model P.68 and P.68B, serial numbers 1–182. The FAA estimates that four U.S.-registered airplanes are affected. - Proposed actions: As applicable, modify and/or calibrate fuel level indicators, install new fuel quantity and warning placards, and update the aircraft flight manual and aircraft maintenance manual. - Affected indicator part numbers: NOR7.361-1, NOR7.1037-2, NOR7.361-3, and NOR7.1037-3. - Referenced Vulcanair documents: P.68 Variants Service Bulletin No. 133 Rev. 2 and Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 265 Rev. 0. - Timing: Most required actions are proposed within two months after the directive’s effective date. For Groups 1 and 2, placards and manual updates would be required before further flight after the applicable indicator actions.

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for certain Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68 and P.68B airplanes, following a report of fuel starvation that caused an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown. For certain airplanes, the proposal would require modification of the fuel level indicator; for all affected airplanes, it would require calibration, new quantity and warning placards, and updates to the aircraft flight manual and aircraft maintenance manual. The proposed directive is intended to address the unsafe condition, which could result in engine power loss, an in-flight engine shutdown, and reduced airplane control. Comments are due November 16, 2026.

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