Samwise Aeronautical Mechanics
Thursday, July 16, 2026
FAA Proposes New Airworthiness Directive for Rolls-Royce BR700-725A1-12 Engines
The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking July 15 that would establish a new airworthiness directive for Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR700-725A1-12 turbofan engines. The proposed AD would require operators to revise the airworthiness limitations section of the approved engine time limits manual to incorporate new or more restrictive thresholds and intervals for life-limited parts. The action was prompted by the manufacturer revising its time limits manual to introduce tighter airworthiness limitations. The FAA warns that left unaddressed, the condition could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the aircraft. Comments are due by August 31, 2026, under docket FAA-2026-7219.
Sources: Federal Register Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
FAA Expands Approved Engine and Airframe Lists for Swift 100R Unleaded Avgas
The FAA has expanded the lists of approved engines and airframes eligible to use Swift 100R unleaded aviation gasoline, Aviation Week reported July 15. Swift 100R is an unleaded replacement for 100LL, the leaded avgas that has long powered the piston-engine general aviation fleet. The expansion of approved engine and airframe lists reflects continued progress in the industry-wide transition away from leaded fuel, a shift driven by environmental and public health considerations. Swift Fuels has been advancing its 100R formula as one of the primary candidates to serve as the standard unleaded avgas for general aviation aircraft across the United States.
Sources: Aviation Week Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Pratt & Whitney Expands GTF MRO Network to Clear Engine Backlog
Pratt & Whitney has expanded its network of authorized MRO facilities handling geared turbofan engines as the manufacturer works to resolve the shop visit backlog stemming from the powder metal contamination issue affecting the GTF fleet, Leeham News reported July 15. The GTF problem required widespread mandatory engine removals at a pace that exceeded available shop capacity, causing aircraft groundings at multiple airlines. The expanded network aims to accelerate inspection and repair throughput and reduce operator wait times. P&W has been adding authorized overhaul facilities and partnering with independent MROs to increase capacity as it presses to wrap up the GTF service disruption.
Sources: Leeham News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Pratt & Whitney Integrates AI Into Borescope Inspection Process
Pratt & Whitney is integrating artificial intelligence into its borescope inspection protocols following a recent acquisition in the AI inspection technology sector, AINonline reported July 15. The engine manufacturer says the AI-augmented process is more efficient than conventional borescope inspection methods and causes less operational disruption to airline customers. Borescope inspections allow technicians to examine internal engine components, including turbine blades and combustion chambers, without requiring full engine disassembly. AI tools applied to borescope imagery can accelerate defect identification and reduce variability between inspectors. The initiative is part of the broader industry push to apply artificial intelligence to improve MRO throughput and diagnostic accuracy.
Boeing Flies Second E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning Aircraft for United Kingdom
Boeing flew the second E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft ordered by the United Kingdom, Aviation Week reported July 15. The flight marks another milestone in the delivery programme for the UK Royal Air Force. The E-7A Wedgetail is a highly modified Boeing 737 Next Generation derivative carrying advanced radar and mission systems, and has been selected by several allied air forces to field a modern airborne early warning capability. The UK programme is acquiring the type to replace its legacy airborne early warning aircraft, and the second aircraft’s first flight brings the programme a step closer to full operational capability.
Sources: Aviation Week Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Safran TG600 Turbogenerator Selected to Power Electra’s Hybrid-electric EL9
Safran Helicopter Engines will supply its TG600 turbogenerator to power the Electra EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft, AINonline reported July 15. The TG600 produces 600 kilowatts and is based on Safran’s Arrano helicopter engine, adapting proven rotorcraft turboshaft technology for the generator role within a hybrid-electric powertrain. Electra recently received an FAA G-1 issue paper for the EL9, a key milestone that defines the certification basis for the programme and signals meaningful progress toward type certification. In a hybrid-electric architecture, the turbogenerator produces electrical power to drive distributed motors, combining combustion efficiency with electric propulsion flexibility.
Hydrogen Aviation Research Pivots to Next-Generation Fuel Cell Systems
Aviation hydrogen research is shifting its focus toward next-generation fuel cell systems following Airbus’s February 2025 announcement that it would delay its hydrogen-powered airliner programme by up to a decade, Aviation Week reported July 16. Airbus suppliers that had been positioning for the programme have rescoped their efforts, directing resources toward smaller-scale and nearer-term fuel cell applications. Among those advancing the technology, Intelligent Energy is developing IE-Flight, a modular fuel cell system featuring high-power evaporative cooling and a scalable design. Research efforts also involve MTU Aero Engines and GKN Aerospace, with Clean Aviation providing programme funding.
Sources: Aviation Week Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Beta Technologies Begins Electric Aircraft Flights Under FAA eVTOL Integration Pilot Programme
Beta Technologies has begun flights under the U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Programme (eIPP), Aviation Week reported July 15. Beta used its ALIA CX300 electric conventional-takeoff-and-landing aircraft for the inaugural missions, flying approximately 275 miles from Virginia to Maryland in a multi-stop organ delivery demonstration conducted with United Therapeutics. The eIPP is established under an executive order aimed at creating a large-scale real-world testing environment for next-generation electric aircraft operating within the national airspace system. The flights mark the programme’s first operational missions evaluating how advanced air mobility can function in routine commercial use.
Sources: Aviation Week Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Curated by JD · samwise.agency