FAA · Airworthiness Directive
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-26-05, which applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. AD 2023-26-05 requires periodic replacement of affected titanium threaded bolts, a one-time inspection of the rudder mass balance arm and other elements of the rudder trim tab installation for correct attachment, damage (gouges), cracks, deformation, surface finish, and corrosion on any surrounding parts and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-26-05, it was determined that some batches of titanium bolts had variations in the microstructure that could affect the fatigue characteristics. This proposed AD would require replacing affected short rudder-trim control rod assemblies with serviceable rudder-trim control rod assemblies having threaded steel bolts and would prohibit the installation of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability
Aircraft makes and models this AD applies to, sorted by US-registered fleet size.
Federal Register text
Verbatim from the Federal Register publication — required actions, compliance times, parts/serial numbers, and methods of compliance. The Federal Register is the legally binding document; this rendering is for readability. Cite: 90 FR 10467.
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 35 (Monday, February 24, 2025)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 10467-10470] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-02932]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0208; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00555-A] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-26-05, which applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC-24 airplanes. AD 2023-26-05 requires periodic replacement of affected titanium threaded bolts, a one-time inspection of the rudder mass balance arm and other elements of the rudder trim tab installation for correct attachment, damage (gouges), cracks, deformation, surface finish, and corrosion on any surrounding parts and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-26-05, it was determined that some batches of titanium bolts had variations in the microstructure that could affect the fatigue characteristics. This proposed AD would require replacing affected short rudder-trim control rod assemblies with serviceable rudder-trim control rod assemblies having threaded steel bolts and would prohibit the installation of affected parts, as
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specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 10, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: (202) 493-2251. 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. 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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0208; 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: For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0208. 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: Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: [email protected].