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AD 2025-09885

Published 2025-06-02 · 1 model · 184 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes Federal Register ↗

Abstract

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-26- 05, which applied to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC- 24 airplanes. AD 2023-26-05 required 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 AD requires replacing affected short rudder-trim control rod assemblies with serviceable rudder-trim control rod assemblies having threaded steel bolts and prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Applicability · by US fleet size

Federal Register text

Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 90 FR 23271. View on Federal Register ↗

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 104 (Monday, June 2, 2025)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 23271-23273] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-09885]

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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; Amendment 39-23044; AD 2025-10-10] 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) 2023-26- 05, which applied to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (Pilatus) Model PC- 24 airplanes. AD 2023-26-05 required 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 AD requires replacing affected short rudder-trim control rod assemblies with serviceable rudder-trim control rod assemblies having threaded steel bolts and prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 7, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 7, 2025.