FAA Issues Airworthiness Notice Over Cracking in Tempest Spark Plugs From May–July 2026 Production Lots
Why It MattersThe notice highlights how a single component defect in a widely used engine part can prompt fleet-wide inspection directives across general aviation maintenance operations.
The FAA has published a non-regulatory airworthiness notice concerning Tempest spark plugs following reports of cracking in specific production lots manufactured between May 5 and July 29, 2026. The notice references Tempest Aero Group Service Bulletin SB-012, which calls for immediate inspection of affected plugs before an aircraft's next flight, with replacement required for any plugs found to be cracked. Affected plugs can be identified by part number and lot code, and the cracking centers on the plug's Hot-Lock Assembly, a component designed to maintain the seal between the spark plug's insulator and shell.
