Textron Airplanes Face New Tail Inspection Rules by June 2026
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or work on certain Textron Aviation Model 408 airplanes, get ready for some important updates! The FAA wants you to add new inspections for parts of the airplane’s tail to keep things safe. You’ll need to update your maintenance manuals by June 15, 2026, and while this might cost some time and money, it’s all about flying safer and smarter.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
You must update maintenance manuals
If you own or maintain Textron Model 408 airplanes (serial numbers -0012 through -0051), you must revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the aircraft maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the approved maintenance/inspection program within 150 hours time-in-service or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first.
New recurring stabilizer inspections required
You will need to incorporate detailed inspections of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer spars at 1,600 flight-hour intervals for affected serials: the horizontal stabilizer spar detailed inspection applies to serials -0012 through -0040, and the vertical stabilizer spar detailed inspection applies to serials -0012 through -0051.
FAA estimates small one-time paperwork cost
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 28 U.S.-registered Model 408 airplanes and that the cost to revise the ALS is 1 work-hour at $85 per airplane, for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $2,380.
Guidance available in Textron service letter
Textron Aviation Service Letter SL408-04-01 dated December 8, 2025 provides additional guidance for accomplishing the inspections and actions required by this AD.
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