Rule2026-05576
Airworthiness Directives; Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 23, 2026
Effective
April 27, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of chafing in the flap transmission shafts. This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 55 (Monday, March 23, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 55 (Monday, March 23, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13706-13708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05576]
[[Page 13706]]
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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;
Amendment 39-23283; AD 2026-05-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate previously
held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This
AD was prompted by a report of chafing in the flap transmission shafts.
This AD requires 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
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 27, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 27,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
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#d8acbdbbb0b6b1bbb9b4abada8a8b7aaac98a8b1b9bfbfb1b7b9bdaab7aba8b9bbbdf6b1ac"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91e5f4f2f9fff8f2f0fde2e4e1e1fee3e5d1e1f8f0f6f6f8fef0f4e3fee2e1f0f2f4bff8e5">[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.
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#197f6b78777237716c607771597f7878377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d0b1f0c03064305181403052d0b0c0c430a021b">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Piaggio
Aviation S.p.A. (type certificate currently held by Baykar Piaggio
Aerospace S.p.A.) Model P-180 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on December 10, 2025 (90 FR 57170). The NPRM was
prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0014,
dated January 13, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0014) (also referred to as the
MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union. 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.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the flap
transmission shafts for chafing or any damage (surface abrasions,
grooves or rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or transfers), measuring
specific gaps, and, depending on the findings, accomplishing corrective
actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5027.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Explanation of Change To Type Certificate Holder Name
The FAA has revised the applicability of this AD to identify the
type certificate holder's name as published in the most recent type
certificate data sheet for the affected models.
Conclusion
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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) 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.
Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material
The referenced material requires contacting Piaggio for approved
repair instructions. This AD requires 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 affects 98 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 13707]]
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 rework, repairs or
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. Any corrective action that may be needed as a result of the
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 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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2026-05-10 Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.): Amendment 39-23283;
Docket No. FAA-2025-5027; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00023-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 27, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type
certificate previously held by 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 (SB) 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
[[Page 13708]]
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 SB 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 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#1f5e52505c5f797e7e31787069"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cb8a8684888badaaaae5aca4bd">[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#b5d3c7d4dbde9bddc0ccdbddf5d3d4d49bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="650317040b0e4b0d101c0b0d250304044b020a13">[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 Baykar Piaggio Aerospace 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#c2b6a7a1aaacaba1a3aeb1b7b2b2adb0b682b2aba3a5a5abada3a7b0adb1b2a3a1a7ecabb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="255140464d4b4c464449565055554a575165554c4442424c4a4440574a56554446400b4c51">[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#365044185f5845465355425f5958765857445718515940"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7513075b1c1b06051016011c1a1b351b1407145b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 17, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-05576 Filed 3-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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