14 CFR · Part 29
14 CFR § 29.908
Cooling fans.
For cooling fans that are a part of a powerplant installation the following apply:
Category A. For cooling fans installed in Category A rotorcraft, it must be shown that a fan blade failure will not prevent continued safe flight either because of damage caused by the failed blade or loss of cooling air.
Category B. For cooling fans installed in category B rotorcraft, there must be means to protect the rotorcraft and allow a safe landing if a fan blade fails. It must be shown that—
The fan blade would be contained in the case of a failure;
Each fan is located so that a fan blade failure will not jeopardize safety; or
Each fan blade can withstand an ultimate load of 1.5 times the centrifugal force expected in service, limited by either—
The highest rotational speeds achievable under uncontrolled conditions; or
An overspeed limiting device.
Fatigue evaluation. Unless a fatigue evaluation under § 29.571 is conducted, it must be shown that cooling fan blades are not operating at resonant conditions within the operating limits of the rotorcraft.
Regulations Referenced
Reflects the eCFR edition current as of September 29, 2026. Retrieved from ecfr.gov on October 16, 2026.
Primary Source