Rule2026-06599
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
April 6, 2026
Effective
May 11, 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 reports of corrosion and cracks affecting the vertical stabilizer. This AD requires repetitive visual and non- destructive testing (NDT) inspections, a one-time NDT inspection of the vertical stabilizer assembly, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of corrective actions. In addition, this AD provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections if certain actions of the service material are accomplished. 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 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17132-17135]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06599]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0019; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00293-A;
Amendment 39-23294; AD 2026-06-05]
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 reports of corrosion and cracks affecting the
vertical stabilizer. This AD requires repetitive visual and non-
destructive testing (NDT) inspections, a one-time NDT inspection of the
vertical stabilizer assembly, and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of corrective actions. In addition, this AD provides a
terminating action for the repetitive inspections if certain actions of
the service material are accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 11, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 11,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0019; 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#d6a2b3b5beb8bfb5b7baa5a3a6a6b9a4a296a6bfb7b1b1bfb9b7b3a4b9a5a6b7b5b3f8bfa2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="572332343f393e34363b2422272738252317273e3630303e38363225382427363432793e23">[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-2026-0019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dcb8b3a9bbf2aea9b8b3b0acb49cbabdbdf2bbb3aa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c5853495b124e495853504c547c5a5d5d125b534a">[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 Model
P-180 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
January 21, 2026 (91 FR 2507). The NPRM was prompted by European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0054, dated March 6, 2025 (EASA
AD 2025-0054) (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 corrosion and cracks affecting the vertical stabilizer
were reported on Model P-180 airplanes. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical
[[Page 17133]]
stabilizer and the rudder with consequent reduced control of the
airplane.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive visual and NDT
inspections, a one-time NDT inspection of the vertical stabilizer
assembly, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of corrective
actions. The FAA also proposed to provide a terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. 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-2026-0019.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from one commenter. The commenter was
the Air Line Pilots Association, International, who supported the NPRM
without change.
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) 80-0493,
Revision 0, dated November 21, 2024 (Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev.
0). This material specifies procedures for repetitive visual and NDT
(including high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) and film radiographic
(FR/D2) testing) inspections, a one-time NDT inspection, and post-
repair instructions for the parts and structural elements of the
vertical stabilizer assembly for evidence of damage of the protective
finish, corrosion, and cracking, and applicable corrective actions.
Corrective actions include, depending on inspection findings, repairing
or replacing affected parts or contacting Piaggio to obtain an approved
Repair Design Approval Sheet (RDAS), which is terminating action for
certain repetitive inspections.
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
Step (49) of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, provides
instructions to contact Piaggio to obtain an approved RDAS and
accomplish that repair accordingly, including post-repair follow-on
action(s), as applicable. This AD instead requires contacting either
the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or Piaggio's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for approved repair
instructions and, within the compliance time specified therein,
accomplish those instructions accordingly, including post-repair
follow-on action(s), as applicable. If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
Although Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, states that certain
subsequent inspections are in accordance with the aircraft maintenance
manual inspection program chapter 05-20-00, this AD does not require
those actions.
Although steps (17), (20), (24), (28), (33), (38), (41), (44),
(47), (48), and Note 21 of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0,
require reporting inspection results to Piaggio, this AD does not
require those actions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 107 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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One-time NDT inspection of the Up to 27 work- $0................ Up to $2,295...... Up to $245,565.
vertical stabilizer assembly. hours x $85 per
hour = $2,295.
Repetitive visual and NDT Up to 40 work- $0 (per Up to $3,400 (per Up to $363,800
inspections of the vertical hours x $85 per inspection). inspection). (per inspection).
stabilizer assembly. hour = $3,400
(per inspection).
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any repairs that would
be required based on the results of the inspections. The agency has no
way of determining the number of airplanes that might need these
repairs:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Repair of parts and structural Up to 280 work- Up to $1,000................ Up to $24,800.
elements of the vertical hours x $85 per
stabilizer assembly. hour = $23,800.
Replace parts and structural Up to 160 work- Up to $10,000............... Up to $23,600.
elements of the vertical hours x $85 per
stabilizer assembly. hour = $13,600.
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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
[[Page 17134]]
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:
2026-06-05 Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate
previously held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.): Amendment 39-23294;
Docket No. FAA-2026-0019; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00293-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 11, 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, manufacturer serial numbers 1002, 1004 through 3016, and
3018, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5530, Vertical
Stabilizer Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion and cracks
affecting the vertical stabilizer. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address this unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the
vertical stabilizer and the rudder with consequent reduced control
of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 660 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 26 months, whichever
occurs first, do the applicable repetitive visual and non-
destructive testing (NDT) inspections of the parts of the vertical
stabilizer assembly for evidence of damage to the protective finish,
corrosion, and cracking, in accordance with section 2.B, PART A,
items (i) through (vii) as applicable, of Piaggio Aerospace Service
Bulletin (SB) 80-0493, Revision 0, dated November 21, 2024 (Piaggio
Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0). Where Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493,
Rev. 0, states that subsequent inspections shall be performed in
accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual inspection program
chapter 05-20-00, this AD does not require those actions.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance time (hours TIS or
calendar time, whichever occurs
P-180 Serial No. first after the effective date of
this AD)
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1002, 1004 through 3016.............. Within 220 hours TIS or 13
months.
3018................................. Within 660 hours TIS or 26
months.
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(2) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, do the applicable one-time NDT
inspections of the parts of the vertical stabilizer assembly for
evidence of damage to the protective finish, corrosion and cracking,
in accordance with section 2.B, PART A, items (viii) and (ix), as
applicable, of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0.
(3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or
(2) of this AD any corrosion or cracking is found, before further
flight, accomplish the applicable corrective action(s), including
post-repair inspections, in accordance with the instructions of
section 2.B, PART B, of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0.
(4) Where the Accomplishment Instructions, section 2.B, PART B,
step (49) of Piaggio SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, state to contact Piaggio to
obtain an approved repair design approval sheet (RDAS) and
accomplish that repair accordingly including post-repair follow-on
actions(s), as applicable, before further flight, contact either the
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Piaggio's EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA) for approved repair instructions and, within the
compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions
accordingly, including post-repair follow-on action(s), as
applicable. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(h) Terminating Action
Accomplishment of any action identified as ``terminating
action'' for a given inspection in section 2.B, PART B, of Piaggio
Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive inspections, as applicable, required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD for that airplane.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although certain steps of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0,
specify to submit inspection findings to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) 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 (k) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#397874767a795f5858175e564f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="51101c1e12113730307f363e27">[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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph,
Aviation Safety
[[Page 17135]]
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (816) 329-4059; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e0848f9587ce9295848f8c9088a0868181ce878f96"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="076368726029757263686b776f4761666629606871">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 80-0493, Revision 0,
dated November 21, 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#2f5b4a4c4741464c4e435c5a5f5f405d5b6f5f464e484846404e4a5d405c5f4e4c4a01465b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e49081878c8a8d878588979194948b9690a4948d8583838d8b8581968b9794858781ca8d90">[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#b2d4c09cdbdcc1c2d7d1c6dbdddcf2dcd3c0d39cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="573125793e3924273234233e3839173936253679303821">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 19, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-06599 Filed 4-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 6, 2026.
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