Rule2026-07246
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. 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 14, 2026
Effective
May 19, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-11- 05, which applied to all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. AD 2023-11-05 required revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-11-05, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the ALS of the existing AMM or ICA for your airplane. 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 71 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19066-19068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-07246]
[[Page 19066]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0022; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01575-A;
Amendment 39-23305; AD 2026-07-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-11-
05, which applied to all Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24
airplanes. AD 2023-11-05 required revising the airworthiness
limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance manual
(AMM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) to incorporate
new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued
AD 2023-11-05, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the
ALS of the existing AMM or ICA for your airplane. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 19,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0022; 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 European Union Aviation Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94d5d0e7d4f1f5e7f5baf1e1e6fbe4f5baf1e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d0c093e0d282c3e2c6328383f223d2c632838">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website
at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<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-2026-0022.
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#462229332168343322292a362e0620272768212930"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="573338223079252233383b273f1731363679303821">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-11-05, Amendment 39-22451 (88 FR
38382, June 13, 2023) (AD 2023-11-05). AD 2023-11-05 applied to all
Pilatus Model PC-24 airplanes. AD 2023-11-05 required revising the ALS
of the existing AMM or ICA to incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2023-11-05 to address
failure of certain parts, which could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2026
(91 FR 2882). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0211, dated
September 26, 2025, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2025-0211) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive
tasks and limitations have been developed. These include revisions to
various fuselage section inspection intervals and aileron and rudder
trim actuator inspection intervals.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the
existing AMM or ICA for your airplane, as specified in EASA AD 2025-
0211. Additionally, the actions required to address the unsafe
condition in AD 2023-11-05 are included in ``the applicable ALS,'' as
defined in EASA AD 2025-0211. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
failure of certain parts, which could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0022.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from one individual commenter. The
commenter 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 EASA AD 2025-0211, which specifies procedures for
revising the aircraft maintenance program (AMP) by incorporating
airworthiness limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and
intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks. EASA AD 2025-
0211 also specifies doing corrective actions if any discrepancy (as
defined in ``the applicable ALS'' as defined in EASA AD 2025-0211) is
found during accomplishment of any task in paragraph (1) of EASA AD
2025-0211 and revising the AMP by incorporating the limitations, tasks,
and associated thresholds and intervals described in ``the applicable
ALS'' as defined in EASA AD 2025-0211.
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 MCAI
Where EASA AD 2025-0211 specifies revising the approved AMP within
12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2025-0211, this AD
requires revising the ALS of the existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 167 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 19067]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise the ALS...................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $14,195
hour = $85.
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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
The FAA has determined that 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023-11-05, Amendment 39-22451 (88
FR 38382, June 13, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2026-07-10 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-23305; Docket No.
FAA-2026-0022; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01575-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2023-11-05, Amendment 39-22451 (88 FR 38382,
June 13, 2023) (AD 2023-11-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes,
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Codes 2710, Aileron
Control System; 2720, Rudder Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a revision to the airworthiness
limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance
manual (AMM) introducing new and more restrictive instructions and
maintenance tasks. These include revisions to various fuselage
section inspection intervals and aileron and rudder trim actuator
inspection intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure revision
of the ALS of the existing AMM or instructions for continued
airworthiness (ICA) for your airplane. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of certain parts, which could
result in loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD:
Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in,
and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD 2025-0211, dated September 26, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0211).
(2) The actions required by this AD may be performed by the
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate
and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance
with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380,
or 135.439.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0211
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0211 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of
EASA AD 2025-0211.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0211 specifies ``Within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved
AMP'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``Within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness
limitations section of your existing aircraft maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness and your existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable''.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0211 is on or before the applicable
limitations and associated thresholds as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0211 or within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0211.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has
been done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and
intervals, including any life limits, are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2025-0211.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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#3a7b7775797a5c5b5b145d554c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="10515d5f53507671713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
[[Page 19068]]
of the responsible Flight Standards Office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, 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#61050e14064f1314050e0d1109210700004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="01656e74662f7374656e6d7169416760602f666e77">[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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0211,
dated September 26, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#77363304371216041659120205180716591202"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3e2e7d0e3c6c2d0c28dc6d6d1ccd3c28dc6d6">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(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#7a1c08541314090a1f190e1315143a141b081b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91f7e3bff8ffe2e1f4f2e5f8feffd1fff0e3f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 10, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-07246 Filed 4-13-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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