[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2507-2509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-01048]
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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]
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: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt 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 proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion and
cracks affecting the vertical stabilizer. This proposed AD would
require 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 would provide a terminating action for
the repetitive inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by March 9, 2026.
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-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 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 Piaggio Aerospace material identified in this proposed
AD, contact Piaggio, P180 Customer Support, via Pionieri e Aviatori
d'Italia, snc--16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: +39 331 679 74 93; email:
[email protected].
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].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-0019; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00293-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Doug
Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2025-0054, dated March 6, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0054) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on certain
serial-numbered Piaggio Model P-180 Avanti and Avanti II airplanes. The
MCAI states that corrosion and cracks affecting the vertical stabilizer
were reported on Model P-180 airplanes. To address the unsafe
condition, the MCAI requires repetitive visual and NDT inspections and
one-time NDT inspections of the parts and structural elements of the
vertical stabilizer assembly for evidence of damage to the protective
finish, corrosion and cracking and, depending on the findings, repair
or replacement of affected parts. The MCAI also provides terminating
actions for certain repetitive inspections. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical
stabilizer and the rudder with consequent reduced control of the
airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0019.
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 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
[[Page 2508]]
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the 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, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the material already described, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Referenced Material.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Referenced Material
Step (49) of Piaggio 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 proposed AD would instead require 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 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 proposed AD does not require
those actions.
Although steps (17), (20), (24), (28), (33), (38), (41), (44),
(47), (48), and Note 21 of Piaggio SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, require
reporting inspection results to Piaggio, this proposed AD does not
require those actions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 107 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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One-time NDT inspection of the Up to 27 work-hours x $0....................... Up to $2,295................... Up to $245,565.
vertical stabilizer assembly. $85 per hour = $2,295.
Repetitive visual and NDT Up to 40 work-hours x $0 (per inspection)...... Up to $3,400 (per inspection).. Up to $363,800 (per
inspections of the vertical $85 per hour = $3,400 inspection).
stabilizer assembly. (per inspection).
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
that would be required based on the results of the proposed
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-hours Up to $1,000............... Up to $24,800.
elements of the vertical x $85 per hour =
stabilizer assembly. $23,800.
Replacement of parts and Up to 160 work-hours Up to $10,000.............. Up to $23,600.
structural elements of the x $85 per hour =
vertical stabilizer assembly. $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 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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
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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:
Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by
Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.): Docket No. FAA-2026-0019; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-00293-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 9, 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.) (Piaggio)
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
SB 80-0493, Rev. 0). Where Piaggio 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
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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 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 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
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 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: [email protected]. 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 Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email:
[email protected].
(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: [email protected].
(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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on January 16, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-01048 Filed 1-20-26; 8:45 am]
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