Pilatus pilots: Ditch titanium bolts before they snap midair
Published Date: 2/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Pilatus PC-24 airplane owners need to swap out certain titanium bolts in the rudder trim control rods for stronger steel ones to keep flying safe. This update fixes a problem with bolt fatigue that could cause trouble mid-flight. Comments on this rule are open until April 10, 2025, and the fix might cost some time and money but keeps everyone safer up in the air!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory swap to steel bolts
If you operate a Pilatus PC-24, the FAA proposes you must replace short rudder-trim control rod assembly P/N 527.20.24.464 (with titanium bolts) with serviceable assembly P/N 527.20.24.069 (with steel bolts) and you may not install the affected part anymore. The FAA estimates the replacement would affect 120 U.S. airplanes, cost about 8 work-hours at $85/hour plus $288 parts (about $968 per airplane) and about $116,160 total for U.S. operators.
Ends prior periodic bolt rules
This proposed AD would remove AD 2023-26-05 and would retain none of its requirements (such as periodic replacement of affected titanium bolts and one-time inspections called for in AD 2023-26-05). Instead, the NPRM would require the replacement action described in EASA AD 2024-0181R1.
Manufacturer may cover some costs
The manufacturer has stated that some costs of the proposed AD may be covered under warranty, which could reduce the out-of-pocket cost for affected operators.
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