Pilatus Pilots: Swap Those Bolts or Risk a Rocky Flight
Published Date: 2/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Pilatus PC-24 airplane owners need to swap out certain titanium bolts for stronger steel ones to keep flying safe. This update replaces an older rule and stops using bolts that might wear out too fast. The FAA wants these changes done soon to avoid any costly or risky problems in the air.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory bolt replacement on PC-24s
If you own or operate a Pilatus Model PC-24 airplane, the FAA proposes you must replace affected short rudder-trim control rod assemblies with serviceable assemblies that use threaded steel bolts. This requirement is intended to address titanium-bolt fatigue problems identified in some batches of titanium bolts.
Supersedes prior AD; changes compliance approach
The proposed AD would supersede AD 2023-26-05. AD 2023-26-05 required periodic replacement of affected titanium threaded bolts and a one-time inspection; the proposed AD would instead require replacing affected short rudder-trim control rod assemblies with assemblies having threaded steel bolts and would prohibit installation of the affected parts.
Ban on installing affected titanium bolts
If you perform maintenance on Pilatus Model PC-24 airplanes, the proposed AD would prohibit installing the affected titanium threaded bolts. The prohibition is tied to the FAA proposal to incorporate by reference an EASA AD that identifies the affected parts.
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16913, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration; Correction
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public to make comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on June 02, 2026. The Information to be collected is necessary to insure the safety of the flying public. Documentation of maintenance repair actions record who, what, when, where and how of the task performed. All maintenance actions as well as documentation are required by Title 14 CFR part 43. This collection focuses on Form 337 which is collected by the FAA. Other records for preventative maintenance, and logbook entries are not collected by the FAA serve as a responsibility of the owner to maintain in case of verification of airworthiness when seeking approval or sale of the aircraft. This ensures proper certification of personnel; proper tooling is utilized and accurate measures to ensure safety. Total form 337s submitted in 2024 is 76,253. Total general aviation aircraft registrations on file are 438,651. It is estimated by the numbers collected one in every five aircraft have a 337-form submitted for major alteration and repairs performed. Each 337 takes approximately 1 hour.
2026-16874, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-941 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an occurrence of a triple "PRIM FAULT" in the Flight Control Primary Computer (FCPC) at touchdown. This proposed AD would require the installation of a new FCPC standard and applicable concurrent modifications. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of certain parts The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16888, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
This rule amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02913, Two Proposed Rules Published by the Environmental Protection Agency With Comment Periods That Close February 18, 2025, to February 20, 2025; Reopening of Comment Periods
The Environmental Protection Agency is giving everyone 30 more days to share their thoughts on two important proposed rules. These rules affect businesses and communities by aiming to protect the environment, and the extra time means more chances to speak up before final decisions. The new comment deadlines are now extended past February 18 and 20, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Next: 2025-02947, Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
If you own or work with certain ATR72 airplanes, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance plans with new safety rules. These changes come from Europe and aim to keep the planes safer by adding stricter checks. You’ll need to make these updates soon to keep flying without any hiccups, but it won’t break the bank.