FAA Final Rule Widens Inspection Program Options for Single-Engine Turbine Airplanes and Unmanned Aircraft
Why It MattersOpening program-based inspection to the 4,500-plus registered single-engine turbine fleet could shift maintenance demand toward manufacturer-developed programs and reshape workload for service providers serving that segment.
The FAA has issued a final rule updating maintenance inspection requirements for single-engine turbine-powered airplanes and unmanned aircraft. The rule revises 14 CFR Part 91 so that owners and operators of single-engine turbine-powered airplanes can use an inspection program recommended by the manufacturer, or one created by the registered owner or operator, provided the Administrator approves it. The annual, 100-hour and progressive inspection options remain available. Unmanned aircraft operating under 14 CFR Part 135 may now follow the Part 91 inspection rules, with the same choice of programs.

The rule also amends subpart K of Part 91, extending the interval for aircraft mechanical reliability reports from 72 hours to 96 hours and allowing electronic submission. It further clarifies maintenance-related regulations in parts 125, 135, 137 and 145 and in additional subparts of Part 91. The FAA says the changes ease workload for owners, operators, maintenance providers and the agency without compromising aviation safety.
More than 4,500 single-engine turbine-powered airplanes are now registered in the U.S. They had previously been excluded from the inspection options in § 91.409(f) that turbine-powered rotorcraft gained in 1989. The agency estimates the manned-aircraft maintenance provisions will produce an annualized net cost savings of $57.02 million at a seven percent discount rate, assuming all manufacturers of single-engine turbine-powered aircraft develop and offer their inspection programs. The notice of proposed rulemaking was published on January 31, 2024.

















































