Loose rudder pedals on Tecnam planes? FAA says add washers NOW!
Published Date: 2/14/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own a Tecnam P2010 or P2010 TDI airplane, listen up! The FAA found a safety issue where the rudder pedal parts could come loose, so they’re requiring a fix by March 3, 2025. This means installing bigger washers, new nuts, and testing the system to keep your plane safe and sound—no big cost surprises, just peace of mind.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory rudder-pedal hinge fix
If you own or operate a Tecnam P2010 or P2010 TDI airplane (up to serial number 317 unless already modified), you must modify the left- and right-hand rudder pedals torque tube hinges by installing larger retainer washers, new self-locking nuts, perform a functional/operating test, and apply torque stripes. This work must be done within 25 hours time-in-service or 30 days, whichever comes first, after the AD’s effective date of March 3, 2025.
Estimated compliance cost per airplane
The FAA estimates the modification costs 1 work-hour at $85 plus $30 in parts, for a total estimated cost of $115 per airplane. The FAA estimates this AD affects 100 U.S.-registered airplanes, for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $11,500; the manufacturer may cover some costs under warranty.
Who is covered and who is excluded
This AD applies to Tecnam Model P2010 and P2010 TDI airplanes with all serial numbers up to and including S/N 317. Airplanes on which Tecnam modification MOD2010/359 has already been installed are excluded from this AD.
One-time ferry (special flight) allowed
A one-time special flight permit may be issued so you can fly the airplane to a maintenance base to do the required work, provided the flight is non-revenue and limited to only essential flight crew, under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199. This permit lets you move the airplane to get the fix without performing the modification first.
Credit if you already did the Mod
If you already performed the required actions before March 3, 2025 using TECNAM Service Bulletin No. 817-CS-Ed. 1, Rev. 0 (dated December 6, 2024), you may take credit and do not need to redo the work. This avoids duplicate work for early-compliant operators.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02605, Safety Standard for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs; Correction
The Consumer Product Safety Commission fixed a mistake in the safety rules for non-full-size baby cribs. This update changes which parts of the ASTM F406-24 standard crib makers don’t have to follow. The correction kicks in on April 5, 2025, unless someone objects by February 28, 2025, and it won’t cost businesses extra money.
Next: 2025-02643, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
If you own or operate certain Boeing 747 models, listen up! The FAA found a problem where water lines near important electronics could leak and cause warning messages. Starting March 21, 2025, airlines must install protective covers and shields on these water lines to keep everything safe and sound—fixes that help avoid costly repairs and keep flights flying smoothly.