Proposed Rule2025-22444
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
December 10, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of chafing in the flap transmission shafts. This proposed AD would require inspecting the flap transmission shaft for chafing or any damage (surface abrasions, grooves or rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or transfers), measuring specific gaps, and, depending on findings, accomplishing applicable corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 235 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57170-57173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22444]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5027; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00023-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of chafing in the flap
transmission shafts. This proposed AD would require inspecting the flap
transmission shaft for chafing or any damage (surface abrasions,
grooves or rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or transfers), measuring
specific gaps, and, depending on findings, accomplishing applicable
corrective actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by January 26, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5027; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Piaggio Aerospace material identified in this AD,
contact Piaggio, P180 Customer Support, via Pionieri e Aviatori
d'Italia, snc--16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: +39 331 679 74 93; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#790d1c1a1117101a18150a0c0909160b0d390910181e1e1016181c0b160a09181a1c57100d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4c0d1d7dcdaddd7d5d8c7c1c4c4dbc6c0f4c4ddd5d3d3dddbd5d1c6dbc7c4d5d7d19addc0">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5027.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Huynh, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404)
983-5288; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#741206151a1f5a1c010d1a1c341215155a131b02"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e58397848b8ecb8d909c8b8da5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-5027; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00023-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
[[Page 57171]]
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Frank
Huynh, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2025-0014, dated January 13, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0014) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain
serial-numbered Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes.
The MCAI states that an occurrence was reported where, during
scheduled airplane maintenance, chafing was detected on the flap
transmission shafts. A subsequent investigation identified a limited
clearance between flap transmission shafts 1 and 7 and the wing rib at
wing station 440 and between flap transmission shaft 7 and the cabin
door seal inflation system pneumatic pipe. This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could affect the integrity of the flap
transmission and lead to reduced control of the airplane.
To address the unsafe condition, the MCAI requires inspecting the
flap transmission shafts, measuring specific gaps, and, depending on
the findings, accomplishing corrective actions.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5027.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0498,
Revision 0, dated August 2, 2024 (Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0). This
material specifies procedures for inspecting the flap transmission
shaft for chafing or any damage (surface abrasions, grooves or rubbing
tracks, and metallic smears or transfers), measuring specific gaps, and
depending on findings, accomplishing applicable corrective actions.
This material is reasonably available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal course of business or by the
means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the material already described, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Referenced Material.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Referenced Material
The referenced material requires contacting Piaggio for approved
repair instructions. This proposed AD would require contacting either
the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or Piaggio's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA), for approved repair
instructions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 98 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Initial inspection of flap transmission 28 work-hours x $85 per $0 $2,380 $233,240
shafts. hour = $2,380.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary rework,
repairs or replacements that would be required based on the results of
the proposed inspection. Any corrective action that may be needed as a
result of the proposed inspection can vary from airplane to airplane.
The agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might
need this rework, repairs, or replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Repetitive inspections of flap 28 work-hours x $85 $0 $2,380, per inspection.
transmission shafts. per hour = $2,380,
per inspection.
Rework of wing rib(s).............. 40 work-hours x $85 0 $3,400, per rework.
per hour = $3,400,
per rework.
Repair of pneumatic pipe........... 20 work-hours x $85 0 $1,700, per repair.
per hour = $1,700,
per repair.
Replacement of flap transmission 20 work-hours x $85 21,282 $22,982.
shaft (all four). per hour = $1,700.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds
[[Page 57172]]
necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that
is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2025-5027; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-00023-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 26, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Model P-180
airplanes, serial numbers 1002, 1004 through 3016, and 3018,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2700, Flight Control
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of chafing in the flap
transmission shafts. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and
address chafing or any damage (surface abrasions, grooves or rubbing
tracks, and metallic smears or transfers) in the flap transmission
shafts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could affect the
integrity of the flap transmission, which could lead to reduced
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 220 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, inspect the outboard and inboard flap transmission
shafts (#1 and #7) at the crossing holes and openings on wing rib
440 and inspect the left-hand (LH) inboard flap transmission shaft
(#7) and the pneumatic pipe for chafing or any damage (surface
abrasions, grooves or rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or
transfers). Additionally, measure the gaps between the outboard and
inboard flap transmission shafts (#1 and #7) and their respective
crossing holes and openings on wing rib 440, and the gap between the
LH inboard flap transmission shaft (#7) and the pneumatic pipe.
Perform these actions in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, steps (10) and
(11) in Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0498, Revision 0,
dated August 2, 2024 (Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0).
(2) If chafing or any damage (surface abrasions, grooves or
rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or transfers) (referred to as
discrepancies) is found during the inspections required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, perform any rework, repair, replacement, and
repetitive inspections, as applicable, as specified in paragraphs
(g)(2)(i) through (iv) of this AD.
(i) If no discrepancies are found or discrepancies are found
that meet the criteria in Case 1 of paragraph 14 of Part A,
paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0, no further
action is required by this AD.
(ii) If discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in Case 2
of paragraph 14 of Part A, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of
the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498,
Revision 0, accomplish the actions of paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(A) and
(B):
(A) Repetitively perform the inspections of paragraph (g)(1) at
intervals not to exceed 220 hours TIS until the rework required by
paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD is done.
(B) Within 660 hours TIS after the initial inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, rework the wing rib(s) 440 (LH part
number (P/N) 80-201367-001, right-hand (RH) P/N 80-201367-002) in
accordance with Steps 14 through 21 of Part A and Part B, paragraph
B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS
section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0.
(iii) If discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in Case
3 of paragraph 14 of Part A, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of
the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498,
Revision 0, accomplish the actions of paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(A) and
(B):
(A) Repetitively perform the inspections of paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS until the rework
required by paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(B) of this AD is done.
(B) Within 220 hours TIS after the initial inspection required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, rework the wing rib(s) 440 (LH P/N
80-201367-001, RH P/N 80-201367-002) in accordance with Steps 14
through 21 of Part A and Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/
MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio
SB 80-0498, Revision 0.
(iv) If discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in Case 4
of paragraph 14 of Part A, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of
the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498,
Revision 0, before further flight, perform the following:
(A) Rework the wing rib(s) 440 (LH P/N 80-201367-001, RH P/N 80-
201367-002) in accordance with Steps 14 through 21 of Part A and
Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT
INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0.
(B) Repair the pneumatic pipe (P/N 80-207493-401) in accordance
with Steps 22 through 42 of Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/
MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio
SB 80-0498, Revision 0.
(C) Replace any damaged transmission shaft with an airworthy
one.
(3) If clearance cannot be obtained during Steps 21, 41, or 42
of Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the
ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision
0, as required by paragraphs (g)(2)(ii)(B), (g)(2)(iii)(B), or
(g)(2)(iv)(B) of this AD, contact the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Piaggio's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for
approved repair instructions, and before further flight, perform the
repair. If the repair is approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(h) No Reporting Requirement
Although Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0498, Revision 0,
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
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accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate.
If sending information directly to the manager of the International
Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified
in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6425292b27240205054a030b12"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0544484a46456364642b626a73">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Frank Huynh,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 983-5288; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9cfdbc8c7c287c1dcd0c7c1e9cfc8c887cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1a7b3a0afaaefa9b4b8afa981a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0498, Revision 0,
dated August 2, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Piaggio Aerospace material identified in this AD,
contact Piaggio Aviation S.p.A., P180 Customer Support, via Pionieri
e Aviatori d'Italia, snc--16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: +39 331 679 74
93; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5b1a0a6adabaca6a4a9b6b0b5b5aab7b185b5aca4a2a2acaaa4a0b7aab6b5a4a6a0ebacb1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="097d6c6a6167606a68657a7c7979667b7d497960686e6e6066686c7b667a79686a6c27607d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#accade82c5c2dfdcc9cfd8c5c3c2ecc2cddecd82cbc3da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="462034682f2835362325322f2928062827342768212930">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 18, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-22444 Filed 12-9-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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